Author: Olaoluwa Vincent Ajayi

The Trump administration’s aggressive new tariffs are sparking serious concerns of a looming recession both in the United States and across the global economy, according to dire warnings from major financial institutions and investors. In a dramatic downgrade, JP Morgan—the United States’ largest investment bank—has slashed its U.S. growth forecast, now predicting a 0.3% contraction in GDP for 2025. This marks a sharp drop from its previous projection of 1.3% growth. The bank’s chief U.S. economist, Michael Feroli, cited the weight of the tariffs as the key reason: “We now expect real GDP to contract under the weight of the…

Oyo, Nigeria – April 6, 2025 – In a momentous occasion steeped in tradition and royal grandeur, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade was officially crowned the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, succeeding the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, who passed away in April 2022 at age of 82. The historic coronation ceremony took place at Oliveth Baptist High School in Oyo on Saturday, drawing dignitaries, traditional rulers, and well-wishers from across the country. The event followed Oba Owoade’s completion of the compulsory 21-day Oro Ipebi traditional rites on March 29, marking the final spiritual preparation before assuming the throne. The Alaafin was…

Source: Time Long before his political ascent, Donald Trump was already voicing deep concerns about America’s trade policies. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, he appeared on television and authored op-eds criticizing what he described as unfair trade imbalances—particularly with Japan. He argued that growing trade deficits were eroding U.S. manufacturing strength and undermining the nation’s economic standing. These early positions laid the foundation for the “America First” trade agenda that would come to define his presidency. Source: Time The United States has historically maintained relatively open markets, positioning itself as a global champion of free trade. With the world’s largest…

Hungary has formally announced its decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), just hours after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu — currently the subject of an ICC arrest warrant — arrived in Budapest for a state visit. Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s government stated that the move was prompted by what it called the court’s “cynical and unacceptable” actions, referring to the ICC’s warrant against Netanyahu for alleged war crimes in Gaza. Orban, a long-time ally of Netanyahu, criticized the ICC’s decision as politically motivated and claimed it undermined the court’s credibility. Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban welcomes Israeli…

President Donald Trump’s latest move to impose a blanket 10% tariff on all imports has sparked strong backlash from world leaders, reigniting fears of a global trade war and further straining diplomatic ties with key allies. Unveiled Thursday as part of Trump’s revived “America First” economic doctrine, the sweeping tariff policy includes even steeper duties for some of the United States’ biggest trading partners. The announcement marks a significant escalation in Trump’s efforts to pressure foreign governments into renegotiating trade terms, a strategy that previously defined his administration between 2017 and 2021. Global Condemnation Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said…

The United States has announced a fresh wave of sanctions targeting Russian individuals, entities, and a cargo vessel allegedly involved in the theft and illegal trade of Ukrainian grain. The U.S. Treasury Department said the sanctions aim to curb terrorism financing, though the primary justification centers around grain looting from Ukrainian territories occupied by Russian forces. The new list includes four individuals, three corporate entities, and one vessel — the cargo ship AM Theseus, also known as Zafar — all allegedly tied to the illicit transport of grain from occupied Crimea to Yemen. The ship’s captains, identified as Belyakov and…

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that a full and unconditional ceasefire with Russia is possible, but only if the United States increases diplomatic pressure on Moscow. Speaking during a meeting with business leaders in Dnipropetrovsk, Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine remains ready to halt hostilities without preconditions. In contrast, Russia continues to insist on terms that Ukraine and its allies have consistently rejected. According to Zelenskyy, Ukraine has made its position clear and has not asked for anything in return to end the war. He argued that Russia has no legitimate grounds to impose conditions for a ceasefire, and emphasized…

Susan Crawford, a Democrat-backed candidate, has defeated conservative judge Brad Schimel in a historic and closely watched race for a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, despite a $21 million campaign boost from Tesla CEO Elon Musk and support from former President Donald Trump. Crawford’s win preserves the court’s 4–3 liberal majority, a major victory for Democrats as the court prepares to decide critical cases on abortion rights, labor laws, and redistricting in the 2024 and 2028 elections. Susan Crawford defeated Brad Schimel, who told his supporters they must accept the result Credit: Scott Olson/Getty “Growing up in Chippewa Falls, I…

A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar early Saturday, causing widespread destruction across the country and severely impacting neighbouring Thailand. The tremor, which originated in Mandalay, Myanmar, triggered building collapses and infrastructure failures, with aftershocks felt more than 800 miles away in Bangkok. Women react in Bangkok Credit: LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA/AFP via Getty Images In Bangkok, panic swept the streets as a 30-storey skyscraper collapsed in the bustling Chatuchak district. Dramatic footage shared by bystanders captured thick clouds of smoke and debris engulfing the area as terrified pedestrians fled. Emergency responders confirmed that two people were killed in the collapse, and at…

The 76-year-old King Charles was briefly hospitalized on Thursday after experiencing side effects related to his ongoing cancer treatment, Buckingham Palace confirmed. Although discharged later that day following a short period of observation at the London Clinic, the King has postponed official engagements scheduled in Birmingham. He has been hospitalized at least twice since the beginning of 2024. A statement from Buckingham Palace emphasized that His Majesty’s recovery remains on a positive path, and the recent health episode is not considered serious. “Following scheduled and ongoing medical treatment for cancer this morning, The King experienced temporary side effects that required…