July 2025 - Page 10 of 32 - Africa news break

21 Jul

Skydance and Paramount $8bn merger approved by US FCC

Roger W. WatsonEconomy

A notable advancement in the entertainment sector has unfolded with the official authorization of an $8 billion merger involving Skydance Media and Paramount Global. The United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has sanctioned the deal, overcoming a significant regulatory challenge and setting the stage for the two entities to merge under one corporate framework. This resolution signifies a pivotal moment in a transaction that has been carefully watched by media analysts, investors, and stakeholders within the entertainment sphere.The union, which had been under discussion for several months, signifies a tactical unification intended to enhance the merged organization’s stance in an…

The Fed just gave a rare look at its .5 billion renovation — right before Trump’s tour

21 Jul

See The Fed’s $2.5 billion renovation — rare access before Trump’s visit

Roger W. WatsonEconomy

The Federal Reserve has provided an unusual look at its current construction venture valued at $2.5 billion, which updates its iconic headquarters in Washington, D.C. This reveal occurs shortly before former President Donald Trump is anticipated to visit the central bank’s premises, increasing public curiosity about a project that has mostly stayed unnoticed.Situated on Constitution Avenue, the primary edifice of the Federal Reserve, referred to as the Eccles Building, has been emblematic of U.S. monetary policy for almost 100 years. Crafted in a neoclassical design and finalized in 1937, it has functioned as the core center for decisions impacting both…

Rapper GloRilla criticises police after drugs arrest

21 Jul

Rapper GloRilla slams police following drug-related arrest

Roger W. WatsonCulture and Entertainment

Rising hip-hop artist GloRilla has sparked discussion after publicly criticizing law enforcement over how her recent arrest was handled. The incident, which reportedly involved drug-related charges, has drawn attention not only because of the legal implications but also due to GloRilla’s vocal response regarding her treatment during the arrest process.The rapper, whose meteoric rise in the music industry has positioned her as one of the most watched talents in recent years, took to social media and other platforms to express frustration with what she described as a misuse of police authority. While she did not deny that an arrest took…

Dwayne Johnson hails 'childhood hero' Hulk Hogan

21 Jul

Dwayne Johnson acknowledges ‘childhood hero’ Hulk Hogan

Roger W. WatsonCulture and Entertainment

Dwayne Johnson, also known to millions as “The Rock,” has never shied away from sharing the impact that professional wrestling has had on his life. Recently, he expressed deep admiration for wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, describing him as one of his earliest heroes and a key figure in shaping his childhood dreams. This gesture highlights not only the personal connection between the two stars but also the enduring influence of wrestling icons on the generations that follow.Johnson, whose own rise to wrestling and cinematic fame is now legendary, credited Hogan as a major source of inspiration during his formative years.…

South Park creators make mock apology to Trump

21 Jul

South Park creators poke fun at Trump with mock apology

Roger W. WatsonCulture and Entertainment

The creative minds behind South Park, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, have once again stirred attention with a characteristically irreverent response involving former U.S. President Donald Trump. Known for their sharp satire and fearless commentary on political and cultural figures, Parker and Stone used their platform to deliver what appeared to be a tongue-in-cheek "apology" that, true to form, was layered with irony rather than contrition.Over the years, South Park has built a reputation for tackling controversial subjects head-on, often walking the line between comedy and critique. The show's long-standing approach has been to highlight the absurdities of real-world events…

‘It was a nightmare’: Venezuelans deported from US describe conditions in Salvadoran prison

20 Jul

Venezuelans sent back by US expose dire conditions in Salvadoran prison

Roger W. WatsonSocial Responsibility

After being deported from the United States, a group of Venezuelan migrants ended up in what they describe as an extremely troubling and punitive environment within a Salvadoran detention facility. A journey intended to start anew in pursuit of safety and stability rapidly became a harrowing ordeal characterized by overcrowding, restricted access to essential resources, and apprehension.Many of these individuals had arrived in the United States hoping to escape the difficult social, political, and economic conditions in Venezuela. For them, deportation was already a significant emotional blow. However, the circumstances awaiting them in El Salvador compounded their sense of despair.Upon…

As protesters are hit with terrorism charges, critics accuse Kenya’s government of criminalizing dissent

20 Jul

Terrorism charges for protesters in Kenya ignite concerns over criminalizing dissent

Roger W. WatsonSocial Responsibility

In recent weeks, Kenya has witnessed a wave of unrest following controversial government proposals, leading to mass demonstrations across the country. While these protests initially focused on fiscal issues—particularly a proposed finance bill—the government's response has sparked an entirely different controversy: the decision to charge some demonstrators with terrorism-related offenses.Este acontecimiento ha generado serias preocupaciones entre expertos legales, organizaciones de derechos humanos y grupos de la sociedad civil, quienes sostienen que el gobierno recurre cada vez más a tácticas severas para reprimir la disidencia pública. La crítica se centra en si el Estado está utilizando el sistema de justicia no…

Russia and Ukraine agree prisoner swap, but little other progress in Istanbul talks

20 Jul

Russia and Ukraine conduct prisoner swap, little advancement in Istanbul discussions

Roger W. WatsonInternational

A recent prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine has been finalized, signaling a rare moment of collaboration between the two countries amidst the ongoing stalemate in official discussions. Although the liberation of captives has been positively received by both parties, the broader dialogues in Istanbul are largely stagnant, showing limited indications of a meaningful diplomatic advance.The prisoner swap marks one of the few areas where Moscow and Kyiv have continued to find common ground since the full-scale conflict erupted. In this latest exchange, both countries repatriated dozens of individuals held in captivity. These exchanges often involve military personnel, and in…

Trade deal on US tariffs within reach, says EU, as 1 August deadline nears

20 Jul

EU expects breakthrough in US tariff negotiations by 1 August

Roger W. WatsonInvestments and Business

As we approach August 1, significant advancements seem to be occurring in the trade discussions between the United States and the European Union. Representatives from both parties have suggested that an agreement to address the enduring conflict over tariffs is nearly achievable. These negotiations, having stretched over several months, might eventually produce an outcome that alleviates economic strain and reshapes the dynamics of trade interactions across the Atlantic.At the heart of the discussions is the pressing issue of tariffs imposed by the United States on a range of EU exports. These duties were initially introduced under previous trade policies that…

Taiwan is paralyzed by political gridlock. A mass recall of ‘pro-China’ lawmakers could break that

20 Jul

Is a mass recall of ‘pro-China’ lawmakers the key to fixing Taiwan’s gridlock?

Roger W. WatsonSocial Responsibility

Taiwan is experiencing a period of intense political stagnation, with key legislative initiatives stalled due to deep divisions among lawmakers. At the heart of the gridlock is growing dissatisfaction with certain members of the Legislative Yuan, accused by critics of aligning too closely with Beijing. In response, a growing grassroots campaign is mobilizing to recall several legislators perceived as pro-China, hoping the move will reset the political landscape and restore momentum to a system that many view as paralyzed.Following Taiwan’s January elections, the country found itself with a divided government. While the presidency remained in the hands of the Democratic…