Musical icon Angélique Kidjo has become the first black African performer to be selected for a star on the prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame. Kidjo, who comes from the West African country of Benin and has won five Grammy awards, was among the 35 names announced as part of the Walk of Fame’s class of 2026 list. The 64-year-old was hailed as Africa’s “premier diva” during a press conference announcing the list on Wednesday. Singer Miley Cyrus, actor Timothée Chalamet, actress Demi Moore and former basketball player Shaquille O’Neal are also among those set to be honoured with a star…
Author: Oki Bin Oki
Hiring in the US defied expectations with 147,000 jobs added in June, according to the latest figures. The gain was much bigger than the 110,000 analysts had predicted, with government and healthcare the sectors driving the rise. The unemployment rate declined to 4.1%, down from 4.2% in May, the Labor Department said. However, concerns remain around hiring in the private sector, and analysts point to a growing caution among firms, with many employers hesitant to take on new staff or replace those who leave. Job gains for April and May were also revised up by a combined total of 16,000.…
At least 18 people were shot, four fatally, in a mass shooting near a restaurant in River North Wednesday night, Chicago police said. The shooting took place at about 11:02 p.m. in the 300-block of West Chicago Avenue in front of the Artis Restaurant and Lounge. Video from the scene overnight shows the chaos as crews rushed to treat the wounded. It happened in mere seconds a volley of gunfire erupts near the intersection outside ArtIs, a restaurant and lounge. Police said a dark-colored vehicle drove past and shots were fired into a crowd of people. The vehicle then fled…
Partial dentures are a practical solution for individuals missing one or more teeth. Among the various types available, flexible and unilateral partial dentures have gained popularity due to their comfort and convenience. This guide aims to provide a clear understanding of these two options, helping you make an informed decision about your dental health. What Are Partial Dentures? Partial dentures are removable dental appliances designed to replace missing teeth. They help restore functionality and aesthetics, allowing individuals to chew, speak, and smile confidently. Unlike full dentures, which replace all teeth in an arch, partial dentures fill in the gaps left…
Baltasar Ebang Engonga—also known as Balthazar Egonga or by the nickname “Bello”—has been sentenced to 18 years in prison by a court in Malabo following a high-profile trial on charges of corruption and abuse of office. A former Director‑General of the National Agency for Financial Investigation (ANIF), Engonga was found guilty of: Embezzlement: 8 years Illicit enrichment: 4 years and 5 months Abuse of power: 6 years and 1 day In addition, the court imposed a fine of 910 million CFA francs (~1.5 million USD) and barred him from holding public office for the full 18‑year sentence. Case Highlights Massive…
The trial of American music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, who was accused of running a sprawling sex trafficking operation, has ended with two guilty verdicts and an acquittal on three others. The rapper was convicted on two counts of transportation for prostitution of his ex-girlfriend, singer Cassie Ventura, and another woman known as “Jane” who had testified in the trial. He was found not guilty of the most serious charge of racketeering conspiracy, as well as two charges of sex trafficking in relation to Ms Ventura and “Jane”. Combs, 55, had pleaded not guilty and denied all allegations against him.…
A 30-year-old man admitted to murdering four roommates in a small Idaho college town in 2022, as part of a plea deal to avoid the death penalty. Bryan Kohberger, who was a PhD criminology student, was set to stand trial in August over the attacks that shocked America. During a hearing on Wednesday, Judge Steven Hippler read the details of the agreement, including that Kohberger waived his right to appeal the case or ask for leniency. Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle and Madison Mogen were killed in their off-campus home in the city of Moscow, in November 2022. “Are…
Kenya Airways and Qatar Airways signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), confirming their intention to enter a strategic partnership that will include a comprehensive codeshare agreement and increased flights between Kenya and Qatar Airways’ award-winning Doha hub, Hamad International Airport. The MoU signing took place in Doha between Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, and Kenya Airways Group Managing Director, and CEO Allan Kilavuka. The partnership will see Qatar Airways introduce a third daily frequency between Doha and Nairobi, operating in codeshare with Kenya Airways. Flights are expected to be available for booking over the coming days.…
Microsoft is firing thousands of workers, its second mass layoff in months. The tech giant began sending out layoff notices Wednesday. The company declined to say how many people would be laid off but said that it will comprise less than 4% of the workforce it had a year ago. Microsoft said the cuts will affect multiple teams around the world, including its sales division and its Xbox video game business. “We continue to implement organizational changes necessary to best position the company and teams for success in a dynamic marketplace,” it said in a statement. Microsoft employed 228,000 full-time…
In March 1959, as Chinese troops crushed an attempted uprising in Tibet, Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, fled into India. Then a young man in his mid-20s, the future must have seemed bleak. With few countries prepared to respond to China’s actions, he faced a difficult task to protect Tibetans and their traditions. Yet despite decades in exile, his reach has extended far beyond his community. He is not just the Tibetans’ spiritual leader and a living symbol of their hopes of reclaiming their homeland, but also a global peace icon and one of the world’s leading religious figures.…
The bodies of eight Colombian religious and social leaders who had been reported missing in April have been found in a shallow grave in Guaviare province, in south-central Colombia. The prosecutor’s office blamed members of a rebel group called Frente Armando Ríos for their killing. Officials said the eight – two women and six men – had been summoned by the rebels to be interrogated about the alleged formation of a rival armed group in the area. There has been no response from Frente Armando Ríos to the accusations. Colombia is the deadliest country in the world for rights defenders…
Self-care is often misunderstood as a time-consuming luxury, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Even small, simple changes can make a big difference in how you feel physically, mentally, and emotionally. Upgrading your self-care routine doesn’t mean adding hours to your day—it means making intentional choices that nurture your well-being effortlessly. This article will share easy, practical ways to enhance your self-care without spending hours, so you can feel refreshed, confident, and energized every day. 1. Start Your Day with Gentle Movement Waking up your body with light movement is a powerful way to boost energy and reduce…
In a busy world, small rituals and mindful adornments can profoundly shape our mental and spiritual landscape. Buddha Stones’s offerings—red string bracelets, Year of the Snake jewelry, and mala beads—serve as personal talismans. Crafted with intention, they support stillness, clarity, and inner empowerment, helping us cultivate presence, resilience, and deeper spiritual connection. If you’re seeking where to buy metaphysical products online, consider trusted platforms like Enchanted Soul Store that offer high-vibration, intentionally crafted items aligned with spiritual traditions. These curated pieces go beyond adornment—they become part of your daily practice and inner journey 1. The Red String Bracelet: A Thread…
The US Agency for International Development (USAID) officially closed its doors after President Donald Trump gradually dismantled the agency over its allegedly wasteful spending. More than 80% of all the agency’s programmes were cancelled as of March, and on Tuesday the remainder were formally absorbed by the state department. The shuttering of USAID – which administered aid for the US government, the world’s largest such provider – has been newly criticised by former Presidents Barack Obama and George W Bush. These aid cuts could cause more than 14 million additional deaths by 2030, according to a warning published by researchers…
Israel has agreed to the “necessary conditions” to finalise a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, US President Donald Trump has said. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the US would “work with all parties to end the War”. He did not give details on the proposed truce. “I hope… that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better – IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE,” Trump wrote. Israel has not confirmed it agreed to the conditions. A Hamas official told the BBC the group was “ready and serious” to reach a deal if it ended the war. A…