In a dramatic protest earlier this month, multiple Democratic US senators stormed out of a committee hearing mid-debate. Only one remained: Senator Cory Booker, who stayed at the Judiciary Committee hearing only to excoriate his Republican colleagues for “trying to rush through one of the most controversial nominees we’ve had under this presidential administration.” At the heart of the spectacle was Emil Bove III, Donald Trump’s former personal attorney and his pick for a lifetime position as a federal appeals court judge. The Senate paved the way for a final vote on his nomination on Tuesday night. He was confirmed…
Author: Oki Bin Oki
Investigators have found the Army helicopter involved in a deadly mid-air collision over Washington DC was receiving faulty altitude data, causing it to fly higher than intended. The findings, revealed during National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) hearing, indicate that the helicopter’s altimeters – devices that tell pilots how high off the ground they are – showed discrepancies ranging from 80ft (24.4m) to 130ft. All 64 passengers onboard an American Airlines flight, along with three crew members on the helicopter, were killed in the 29 January crash. Investigators are not expected to identify the cause of the crash at the hearing…
The US central bank has kept interest rates unchanged again, despite pressure from President Donald Trump to lower borrowing costs. The decision, which was widely expected, left the Federal Reserve’s key lending rate between 4.25% and 4.5%, where it has stood since December. But in an unusual dissent, two members of the board voted against the plan, saying they preferred to cut, which is a sign that support for lower rates may be broadening. The vote came as new economic data continued to fuel debate over what effects Trump’s tariffs will have on the world’s largest economy. The latest figures…
Planning a road trip across the U.S.? Renting a car is definitely the most convenient way to explore different cities and states, small towns, and everything in between that may catch your eye. But without a bit of strategy, rental costs can quickly build up and derail your budget. That’s why we’ve collected seven rental car hacks to help you save time, money, and avoid unnecessary stress before you hit the open road. 1. Book Early for Better Rates Rental car prices tend to rise as your travel date gets closer, so booking in advance is essential. It gives you…
Electricity demand has reached a new peak, supported by new customer connections and increased consumption of grid power during the prevailing cold season. Data from Kenya Power’s National Control Centre shows that the peak demand shot twice this month, with a historical 2,362.28 MW being recorded on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. Before this, a peak demand of 2,325 MW had been attained on July 2 up from the previous peak of 2,316 MW recorded in February 2025. Peak demand refers to the highest electricity demand that has been recorded at the national control centre, where electricity supply across the country…
The US will impose 25% tariffs on goods imported from India “plus an unspecified penalty” for buying Russian energy and weapons, President Trump has said. In a post on his Truth Social platform, he said the measures would take effect from from 1 August, the US deadline for a trade deal. He described India as a friend whose “tariffs are far too high, among the highest in the world”. He also criticised India’s purchases of Russian military equipment and energy “when everyone wants Russia to STOP THE KILLING IN UKRAINE”. There was no immediate response from India, which has been…
Indian and US space agencies have launched a new satellite which will keep a hawk’s eye on Earth, detecting and reporting even the smallest changes in land, sea, and ice sheets. Data from the joint mission by Indian Space agency Isro and Nasa will help not just the two countries but the world in preparing and dealing with disasters. The 2,392kg Nasa-Isro Synthetic Aperture Radar (Nisar) was launched at 17:40 India time (12:10 GMT) on Wednesday from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in south India. The satellite comes close on the heels of the Axiom-4 mission which saw an Indian…
Double Olympic biathlon champion Laura Dahlmeier has died after a mountaineering accident in Pakistan. The 31-year-old German was caught in rockfall during an expedition in the Karakoram mountains on Monday. Her climbing partner, Marina Eva, called emergency services after the accident, which occurred at about 5,700 metres (18,700 feet). Rescue teams, containing expert climbers from Germany and the United States, immediately began a rescue mission but their searches were hindered by adverse weather conditions. Dahlmeier’s management company confirmed on Wednesday that she had died. “A recovery operation was launched but ultimately called off on the evening of 29 July,” her…
A sharp drop in imports triggered by President Donald Trump tariff policy helped boost US economic growth between April and June, according to the latest figures. The world’s largest economy expanded at an annual pace of 3% after shrinking in the first three months of the year, the Commerce Department said. The bigger-than-expected rebound reflected swings in trade as businesses rushed to get goods into the US ahead of Trump’s taxes and is not necessarily an indication of the health of the wider economy. Nevertheless, the US president used the data to take aim at Jerome Powell, chair of America’s…
Becoming a surrogate is a life-changing decision that allows women to help intended parents build their families while receiving meaningful financial compensation. But exactly how much do surrogates get paid—and what should prospective surrogates know before taking the leap? In 2025, surrogacy compensation is structured to reflect the responsibility, time commitment, and physical demands of carrying a child for someone else. Whether you’re exploring surrogacy as a first-timer or returning for a second journey, understanding how surrogate pay works can help you make informed, confident decisions. What Is Surrogate Pay? Surrogate pay refers to the financial compensation provided to a…
Thinking of taking your live streaming from Twitch to TikTok? You’re not alone. More and more creators are eyeing TikTok for its explosive growth, massive engagement, and easier path to virality. But there’s one catch: you need at least 1,000 followers to unlock TikTok LIVE. For new or migrating streamers, hitting that number quickly can feel like a grind. The good news? There are smart, safe ways to accelerate your follower count so you can start streaming sooner. This guide walks you through exactly how to do that, without compromising your credibility or content. Why Hitting 1,000 Followers on TikTok…
United States Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, a right-wing ally of US President Donald Trump, has suggested that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, highlighting a growing schism in the Republican Party. In a social media post this week, Greene condemned the dire situation in Gaza, where an Israeli-imposed hunger crisis has killed more than 120 people. She also criticised her colleague Randy Fine, who has openly celebrated the starvation and bombardment of Palestinians. “It’s the most truthful and easiest thing to say that Oct 7th in Israel was horrific and all hostages must be returned, but so is…
US singer Ciara has become one of the first public figures to be granted citizenship of Benin, under a new law offering nationality to the descendants of slaves. In an Instagram post the Grammy award-winner said she was “honoured”, adding “thank you Benin for opening your arms and your heart to me”. The citizenship scheme is part of an initiative by the small West African country to build ties with the African diaspora and boost cultural tourism. Ciara, known for R&B and pop hits such as Goodies and 1,2 Step, officially became a citizen at a ceremony in the city…
A leading North American mining entrepreneur, who wants to open his own US copper mine, has welcomed plans for a 50% tax on copper imports. Robert Friedland, the billionaire founder of Vancouver-based Ivanhoe Mines and Ivanhoe Electric, told the BBC the tariffs would help re-establish the US copper mining industry. US President Donald Trump has already introduced steel and aluminium tariffs and a 50% copper tariff is due to come in on 1 August. Critics have argued that tariffs are inflationary and will push up prices for American consumers, but Mr Friedland said the president’s approach was aimed at strengthening…
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has predicted stronger global economic growth than it forecast in April in part due to some US tariffs on goods being softened. A surge in US imports as firms tried to beat impending higher import taxes and actions by some governments to boost growth bumped up its latest forecast. However, higher tariffs and more uncertainty could lead to weaker growth and slower economic activity, the IMF warned. Meanwhile, UK growth is predicted to be 1.2% this year, and 1.4% in 2026, unchanged from revised forecasts set out in May. The UK is set to be…