World Mar 11, 2023

Iran finalizes deal to buy Russian fighter jets

Iran has reportedly signed a deal to purchase Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets from Russia, according to state media. The country's air force is struggling with an ageing fleet of aircraft and difficulties acquiring spare parts. Iran has approached countries for the purchase of fighter jets to modernize its fleet since the end of the Iran-Iraq war in 1988. The United States has expressed concern about the growing military cooperation between Iran and Russia. Tehran has forged strong ties with Moscow in various sectors including military cooperation over the past year. The United States began imposing sanctions on Iran in 2019, a year after it withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal under then-president Donald Trump.

Politics Mar 11, 2023

Xi Jinping Nominates Li Qiang as Next Premier of China

China's President Xi Jinping has nominated Li Qiang as the next premier of the country during the annual meeting of China's National People's Congress. Li Qiang, the former Communist party chief of Shanghai, is a close ally of Xi, having previously served as his chief of staff. The appointment of Li Qiang and other officials highlights Xi's determination to install trusted allies in key positions to further consolidate his power and implement his policies. The government reshuffle is also expected to provide more stability to the country as China faces various challenges, including the ongoing trade war with the United States and economic slowdown.

Africa Mar 10, 2023

BREAKING: Silicon Valley Bank Closed by Regulators

Silicon Valley Bank, which announced that it was looking to raise more than $2 billion in additional capital after suffering a $1.8 billion loss on asset sales, has been closed by regulators. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. has taken control of the bank’s deposits, and insured depositors will have access to their deposits no later than Monday morning. The move represents a rapid downfall for SVB, and its parent company SVB Financial Group's shares fell 60% on Thursday, and dropped another 60% in premarket trading on Friday before being halted.

Metro Mar 10, 2023

Seven Killed in Shooting at Jehovah’s Witness Meeting in Hamburg

Seven people were killed and several others injured in a shooting at a Jehovah's Witness meeting hall in Hamburg, Germany. The gunman, believed to be a former member of the religious community, acted alone and is presumed dead. The motive for the attack is still unknown. The investigation is ongoing.

Finance Mar 8, 2023

Russia Considers Challenging US Nominee for World Bank Head

Russia is reportedly consulting with its allies about challenging the US nominee for the head of the World Bank, which could complicate the smooth succession process. Roman Marshavin, the executive director representing Russia and Syria, confirmed that they are still in the process of listing potential candidates and consultations with other countries are ongoing. Learn more about Russia's plan to challenge Ajay Banga's nomination for the World Bank head and how it could expose simmering tensions between the US, Western nations, and China.

Metro Mar 7, 2023

Americans kidnapped in Mexico, 2 dead and 2 safe

Four American citizens were kidnapped by armed men while driving into the city of Matamoros in the north-eastern state of Tamaulipas, Mexico, for cosmetic surgery. Two of them have been found dead, while the other two have been rescued and are now safe in the US. The investigation is still in the early stages, but it is believed that the Gulf Cartel, one of the oldest organized crime groups in Mexico, is responsible for the attack.

Politics Mar 7, 2023

China’s Foreign Minister Warns of Inevitable Conflict with US

China's new foreign minister, Qin Gang, warns of inevitable conflict with the US if Washington does not change its approach towards China. During a fiery press conference, he defended China's strengthening relationship with Russia and presented the US and its allies as a source of tension and conflict. Qin's comments provide valuable insight into China's perspective on its relationships with other nations and its place in the global community. Learn more about his views and China's foreign policy agenda in this article.

World Mar 6, 2023

Suicide Blast Kills Nine Police Officers in Balochistan, Pakistan

A suicide blast in Balochistan, Pakistan killed at least nine police officers and injured 11 others, highlighting the deteriorating security situation in the country. This is the latest in a string of attacks against security personnel. The province has seen a long-standing insurgency by separatists demanding independence, citing the state's exploitation of the region's mineral resources.

Local News Mar 5, 2023

Nigerian Elections Fell Short of Expectations, Says US Ambassador

The US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard, commends Nigerians for their dedication to democracy in the presidential polls, but says it failed to meet expectations. Leonard urges the Independent National Electoral Commission to address the challenges and undertake a broader review of the problems ahead of the March 11 gubernatorial elections. Read more about her call to action and the changing electoral landscape in Nigeria in this news report.

Celebrity Mar 4, 2023

Trump reportedly considering new nicknames for DeSantis

In the news article, Bloomberg reports on Donald Trump's plans to take down his political foe, Ron DeSantis, by giving him insulting nicknames, such as "Tiny D." The article also discusses how Trump's team is already carving out an attack plan against DeSantis and trying to dig up dirt on him.

Metro Mar 4, 2023

Murderer Alex Murdaugh Appears in New Mugshot with Shaved Head

Alex Murdaugh, who was convicted of murdering his wife and son, has been sentenced to life in prison. His new mug shot shows him with a completely shaved head. The jury reached the verdict after less than 3 hours of deliberations, and Murdaugh maintained his innocence throughout the trial.

Metro Mar 4, 2023

Former Lawyer Alex Murdaugh Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murder of Wife and Son

Alex Murdaugh, a former lawyer, has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his wife and son in South Carolina. Murdaugh was convicted of two counts of murder after a six-week trial, during which prosecutors argued he killed his wife and son to divert attention from his financial crimes and gain sympathy. Murdaugh's lawyers plan to appeal the life terms. The high-profile case has garnered national attention and shaken the community, casting a shadow over the legal dynasty that the Murdaugh family had occupied for decades.

Politics Mar 3, 2023

Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Ales Bialiatski Sentenced to 10 Years in Belarusian Penal Colony

A Belarusian Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Ales Bialiatski, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison on smuggling charges. The sentencing has been criticized by the German Foreign Minister and exiled Belarusian opposition leader, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who has called for their immediate release. The Nobel laureate was arrested in 2020 amid protests against Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko's regime.

World Mar 3, 2023

EU diplomat warns about Chinese support for Russia following Ukraine invasion

Following reports from US officials that China may be considering providing lethal aid to Russia, the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, has emphasized the need for vigilance regarding China's support for Russia after its invasion of Ukraine. China has not denied the allegations, and Borrell's comments come amid stark divisions of opinion regarding Russia's invasion of Ukraine at the G-20 foreign affairs meeting in India.