Jenn
- World News
US bans Chinese printer maker Ninestar, chemical firm over Uighur abuse links
In a move to combat human rights abuses in China, the US has imposed a ban on imports from Chinese printer manufacturer Ninestar Corp and chemical company Xingjang Zhongtai Chemical Co Ltd. The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has accused these companies of participating in business practices that target China’s Uighurs and other persecuted groups. Ninestar, which claims to…
- World News
Blinken’s delayed China trip aims to mend strained US relations
Antony Blinken, the US Secretary of State, is reportedly planning a visit to China this month in an effort to mend the tense relationship between the two nations. According to unnamed US officials, Blinken is expected to arrive in Beijing on June 18 for discussions with high-ranking Chinese officials, including Foreign Minister Qin Gang and potentially President Xi Jinping. US…
- World News
US-Mexico border robot dogs escalate AI-driven surveillance threat
The US Department of Homeland Security’s announcement last year of deploying “robot dogs” along the US-Mexico border has raised concerns about the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in border security operations. The programme aims to enhance the presence of US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and reduce human exposure to life-threatening hazards in the harsh Southwest landscape. The growing…
- World News
Messi’s Inter Miami move skyrockets ticket sales and social media
Excitement surrounding Lionel Messi’s potential move to Inter Miami has led to a massive surge in the club’s social media following and ticket sales. The Argentinian football legend’s announcement that he plans to join the Major League Soccer team after leaving Paris Saint-Germain has caused a frenzy among fans. In less than 24 hours following the news, Inter Miami’s Instagram…
- World News
Trump faces federal indictment over classified document hoarding
The legal reckoning for Donald Trump has finally arrived, as the former president faces a seven-count federal indictment after a lengthy investigation into his alleged hoarding of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago residence. This unprecedented move against a former president has been described as a “politically momentous” and “seismic event.” Trump’s previous avoidance of being held accountable seems to be…
- World News
Trump indicted over mishandling classified documents at Florida estate
The legal troubles of former US President Donald Trump have intensified as he now faces federal indictment charges for mishandling classified documents at his Florida estate, Mar-a-Lago. This development comes on the heels of his New York indictment, where he was charged with 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. Trump revealed on his social media platform, Truth Social, that…
- World News
Trump faces indictment over mishandling classified documents
Former US President Donald Trump has revealed that he faces indictment over allegations of mishandling classified documents. Trump made the announcement on his Truth Social platform, stating that he has been summoned to a federal court in Florida. However, the Justice Department has not yet confirmed the indictment. The news has sparked reactions from various US politicians, both in support…
- World News
US and Cuba dismiss claims of China’s multi-billion dollar spy base plan
Multiple government sources in the Caribbean and the United States have dismissed a Wall Street Journal report claiming Beijing planned to establish a spy base in Cuba. The New York-based newspaper cited an alleged “secret agreement” for China to set up an electronic eavesdropping facility on the island, enabling it to intercept emails, phone calls, and other data from the…
- World News
Trump faces indictment over classified documents, claims innocence
In a surprising turn of events, former US President Donald Trump has claimed on his Truth Social platform that he is facing indictment for allegedly mishandling classified documents after leaving the White House. According to Trump, he has been summoned to appear at the Federal Courthouse in Miami on an unspecified Tuesday. “I have been summoned to appear at the…
- World News
US-GCC joint statement backs two-state solution, omits Israel normalisation
The United States and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have issued a joint statement, highlighting shared priorities and finding common ground on various issues. This follows US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s attendance at a GCC meeting during his recent visit to Saudi Arabia. The statement emphasises the US’s “enduring commitment” to the Gulf region, despite concerns about its diminishing…
- World News
Wildfires cause air quality alerts across North America and disrupt travel
Air quality alerts have been issued for millions of people across North America as wildfires continue to rage in Canada, causing evacuations, disruption to air travel, and smoke-filled skies even thousands of kilometres from the fires. The US National Weather Service has extended air quality alerts for the East Coast, from New England to South Carolina, as well as parts…
- World News
Off-duty officer testifies in trial of deputy accused in Parkland shooting
An off-duty officer, Jeffrey Heinrich, who was present during the 2018 Parkland high school massacre in Florida, has given his testimony in the trial of the deputy accused of failing to stop the shooter. Heinrich described how he initially mistook the gunshots for fireworks before realising the situation and approaching unarmed. The trial focuses on what former Broward Deputy Scot…
- World News
Israeli forces injure six in Ramallah raid, including three by gunfire
At least six individuals were hospitalised, with three suffering gunshot wounds, after Israeli forces fired at a group of stone-throwing Palestinian youth. This incident took place during an Israeli raid in Ramallah, a Palestinian city located in the occupied West Bank. According to a witness who spoke to Reuters, a large Israeli military convoy arrived in the city centre early…
- World News
Staley denies Epstein ties, blames JPMorgan in sex trafficking lawsuits
Jes Staley, the former JPMorgan Chase & Co executive, has officially denied any involvement in Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking activities and pointed the finger at JPMorgan for maintaining him as a client. In recent filings at a Manhattan federal court, Staley claimed that his interactions with Epstein were not the direct cause of any damages JPMorgan might face in the…
- World News
Trump targeted in classified documents probe after presidency
US prosecutors have informed Donald Trump’s legal team that the former president is under investigation for his handling of classified documents after leaving office, as reported by multiple US news outlets. The notification, issued by the office of special counsel Jack Smith, allows Trump the opportunity to present his own evidence before a grand jury, though it does not guarantee…
- World News
Wrestling legend Iron Sheik dies aged 81, transcending sports entertainment
The world of professional wrestling has lost an iconic figure as Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri, known as the “Iron Sheik,” passed away at the age of 81. Vaziri, an Iranian-born athlete, gained prominence in the 1970s and ’80s as part of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), which later became the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). The wrestler’s death was announced on…
- World News
Ex-sheriff’s deputy on trial for inaction during Parkland school massacre
The trial of a former sheriff’s deputy accused of failing to intervene during the 2018 Parkland school shooting in Florida has begun, marking the first time a law enforcement officer has been criminally prosecuted for inaction during a school shooting in the United States. Scot Peterson, who served as a school resource officer at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, faces…
- World News
Unprecedented wildfire season sparks concern across Canada
Canada is experiencing an unprecedented start to its 2023 wildfire season, with hundreds of fires raging across the country and forcing tens of thousands of people to evacuate. Over 3.8 million hectares have been scorched by the fires, which have also caused discoloured, smoke-filled skies in areas not typically affected by wildfires. This has prompted growing concern and demands for…
- World News
Sunak visits US to discuss AI, Ukraine war, and transatlantic trade
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has embarked on a two-day visit to Washington, DC, where discussions surrounding artificial intelligence (AI), the Ukraine conflict, and transatlantic trade are expected to take centre stage. Sunak commenced his visit by paying his respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, followed by meetings with congressional leaders. He is slated…
- World News
Russian cyber gang’s MOVEit hack threatens global corporations, including BBC
A Russian cyber-extortion gang’s hack of a widely-used file-transfer program, MOVEit, could have severe global consequences, with initial victims including the BBC, British Airways, and Nova Scotia’s government. Cybersecurity experts have warned that this could be one of the most significant breaches in recent years, with the true impact becoming clearer as more information emerges. The Cl0p ransomware syndicate announced…
- World News
EU’s geopolitical ambition hindered by technocracy and bureaucracy
The European Union has been striving to establish itself as a “geopolitical” force since December 2019, with French President Emmanuel Macron being one of the most prominent advocates for this vision. A key aspect of this strategy is the European Political Community (EPC), which encompasses 27 EU member states and 17 neighbouring countries. However, the progress towards achieving this goal…
- World News
Canadian politicians’ China witch-hunt threatens democracy more than Beijing
In recent months, Canada’s capital has been gripped by a manufactured scandal involving alleged Chinese interference, leading to a wave of hysteria that has paralysed the city. The situation has been exacerbated by sensationalist reporting and hyperbolic politicians, who have claimed that Chinese agents are covertly undermining Canada’s democratic institutions. Amidst this panic, some have turned to Canada’s law-abiding spy…
- World News
Acclaimed painter Francoise Gilot dies at 101, leaving vibrant legacy
Acclaimed painter Francoise Gilot, who was known for her turbulent relationship with Pablo Picasso, has passed away at the age of 101. Her daughter, Aurelia Engel, confirmed that Gilot died in a New York hospital, where she had been residing for many years. Engel praised her mother’s artistic talent, stating, “She was an extremely talented artist, and we will be…
- World News
China’s CCP accused of spying on TikTok users with ‘god credential’
In a recent lawsuit, a former ByteDance executive has alleged that China’s Communist Party (CCP) can access user data collected by TikTok through a “god credential” that was used to monitor and track Hong Kong activists and protesters in 2018. Yintao “Roger” Yu, the former head of engineering at ByteDance in the United States, claimed that a special committee in…
- World News
Richmond shooting: Two dead, five injured after high school graduation
A tragic shooting incident unfolded in Richmond, Virginia, as a man opened fire on a crowd following a high school graduation ceremony, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to five others. The attack took place on Tuesday near a theatre adjacent to the Virginia Commonwealth University campus, where the graduation had been held. Police apprehended a 19-year-old…
- World News
SEC seeks to freeze Binance US assets amid web of deception claims
The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has sought a temporary restraining order from a federal court to freeze the US assets of leading cryptocurrency exchange Binance. This development follows the recent lawsuit filed by US regulators against Binance and its CEO, Changpeng Zhao, accusing them of operating a “web of deception.” The pressure on the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange…
- World News
US LGBTQ group declares national emergency amid record anti-LGBTQ legislation
The United States is witnessing a surge in legislation targeting the LGBTQ community, prompting the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) to declare its first-ever national state of emergency. The HRC reported that over 70 bills it deems anti-LGBTQ were passed in statehouses during this legislative session, marking a significant increase from last year’s record. The organization identified a total of 525…
- World News
Quebec wildfires cause hazy skies and poor air quality in Ontario and US
Hazy skies and poor air quality have been reported in parts of Ontario and the northeastern United States due to smoke from over 150 wildfires burning in the Canadian province of Quebec. Environment Canada issued a “special air quality” statement for Ottawa and Toronto, warning of high levels of air pollution caused by smoke from the forest fires. The smoke…
- World News
Atlanta approves contentious Cop City despite police violence and environmental concerns
Atlanta’s City Council has given the green light to a contentious new law enforcement training facility, dubbed “Cop City” by critics, despite concerns over police violence and potential environmental impacts. The $90m project was approved by an 11-4 margin on Tuesday, following 14 hours of public comment, much of which opposed the facility. Reverend James Woodall, former president of Georgia’s…
- World News
Chris Christie joins 2024 presidential race, targets Trump and DeSantis
Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has officially entered the race for the United States presidency in 2024, joining a growing list of Republican candidates. Having filed the necessary paperwork on Tuesday, Christie is set to launch his campaign at an event in New Hampshire. Known as a pragmatic conservative, Christie previously ran for president in 2016 but withdrew after…
