July 2025 - Page 7 of 32 - Africa news break

The 1975 star warns of threat to small gig venues

25 Jul

The 1975 frontman highlights dangers facing small gig venues

Roger W. WatsonCulture and Entertainment

Matty Healy, the frontman of the British group The 1975, has expressed worry over the increasing problems encountered by small music venues throughout the UK. In advocating for the nation’s live music environment, Healy has highlighted the monetary challenges and regulatory demands jeopardizing these cultural hubs, which frequently act as the initial platform for up-and-coming artists.Healy’s remarks reflect a growing anxiety within the music community about the future of independent venues. Rising operational costs, coupled with changing urban landscapes and a shift in entertainment consumption habits, have led many smaller venues to shutter their doors in recent years. According to…

Hulk Hogan’s son Nick pays tribute to his ‘hero’

25 Jul

Nick Hogan pays heartfelt tribute to his ‘hero’ Hulk Hogan

Roger W. WatsonCulture and Entertainment

Nick Hogan, the son of legendary wrestler Hulk Hogan, has spoken out with deep admiration for his father, describing him as a lifelong role model and source of strength. In a recent public statement, Nick reflected on the profound impact his father has had on his life—both inside and outside the ring—referring to him as his “hero” and expressing gratitude for the values instilled in him since childhood.Hulk Hogan, whose birth name is Terry Bollea, stands out as a highly prominent individual in pro wrestling. His extraordinary persona, legendary mustache, and commanding presence in WWE (known previously as WWF) have…

'Quishing' scams dupe millions of Americans as cybercriminals exploit QR codes

24 Jul

‘Quishing’ scams leveraging QR codes deceive millions of Americans

Roger W. WatsonScience and Technology

QR codes are now a regular feature of daily existence. Individuals utilize them to access eatery menus, make parking payments, download applications, or reach online sites. By simply scanning with a smartphone camera, these codes link users straight to digital content. Their ease of use has made them very favored in both private and business environments.Nonetheless, the technology that makes QR codes beneficial has also created opportunities for cyber criminals. A novel scam called "quishing" now aims at unsuspecting individuals. The word merges “QR” and “phishing” and pertains to schemes where counterfeit QR codes are employed to mislead people. These…

Suspect faces terrorism charges in stabbing of 11 at Walmart in Michigan

24 Jul

Michigan Walmart stabbing leaves 11 injured, suspect faces terrorism charges

Roger W. WatsonSocial Responsibility

A person taken into custody linked to a recent stabbing case at a Walmart location in Michigan is now charged with terrorism, as officials intensify their probe into the motives and wider repercussions of the incident. The occurrence, which resulted in eleven individuals being hurt, has sparked significant worries about community security and led to a coordinated effort by multiple agencies to comprehend the essence of the attack.The event occurred at a Walmart store where, based on initial accounts, an individual started assaulting customers and staff with a sharp weapon. Emergency responders quickly made their way to the location, and…

Hackers leak 13,000 user photos and IDs from the Tea app, designed as a women's safe space

24 Jul

Tea app, women’s safety platform, suffers hack leaking 13,000 user IDs and photos

Roger W. WatsonScience and Technology

A significant security incident has impacted Tea, an application designed to provide a secure and supportive environment for women, as attackers exposed personal details of over 13,000 users. The leaked information comprises sensitive items like selfies, images of government-issued IDs, and reports submitted by users that were involved in the app's internal verification and complaint procedures.The breach has raised serious concerns about user safety and data privacy, particularly because Tea markets itself as a platform meant to protect women, especially those reporting harassment or abuse. Many users joined the app with the assurance that it was a secure space where…

Auction sales fall 6% in the first half, raising fears of an art market shift

24 Jul

Auction sales slide 6% in first half, fueling fears of art market transformation

Roger W. WatsonInvestments and Business

Auction revenues declined by around 6% in the first half of the year compared with the same period last year, prompting fresh concerns about the global art market's strength. This occurs amid broader weakening in fine‑art sales, signaling a shift in collector behavior and challenging prevailing business models.Although major houses like Sotheby’s, Christie’s and Phillips continued to lead, their combined total slipped to just under $4 billion in H1 2025. Fine‑art auctions—the core of their business—dropped by approximately 10%. This signals a market that is either consolidating at a lower baseline or possibly entering a longer-term structural change.Although there was a…

Thailand and Cambodia agree to 'immediate ceasefire'

24 Jul

Thailand and Cambodia reach agreement on immediate ceasefire

Roger W. WatsonSocial Responsibility

In a significant move toward easing tensions, Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to bring an immediate stop to recent hostilities that have erupted along their shared border. This development follows a series of confrontations that escalated over several days, resulting in casualties, displacements, and widespread concern in both countries and the broader region.The decision to cease fire was reached after urgent discussions between officials from both nations, who recognized the need to prevent further violence and restore calm to affected communities. The agreement marks a crucial step in de-escalating a conflict that had threatened to spiral into prolonged military engagement.Over…

Six killed in Bangkok market after gunman opens fire

24 Jul

Six lose lives in Bangkok market after gunman attack

Roger W. WatsonInternational

A sense of shock and mourning has gripped Bangkok after a shooting incident at a bustling local market resulted in the deaths of six individuals. The tragic event unfolded in a typically lively commercial area, now marked by grief and unanswered questions about the motive behind the violence.Eyewitness accounts describe a sudden eruption of chaos when gunfire rang out, sending vendors and shoppers scrambling for safety. The market, known for its steady foot traffic and community activity, quickly transformed into a scene of panic as the attack unfolded. Bystanders reported hearing multiple gunshots in quick succession, followed by the sound…

Crypto kidnapping: How armed gangs are hunting the internet's high rollers

24 Jul

Crypto kidnapping: How organized crime is targeting crypto high rollers

Roger W. WatsonInvestments and Business

In today’s digital economy, cryptocurrencies have created a new class of millionaires. But this digital wealth has also attracted a dangerous kind of attention — not from hackers, but from armed criminals. These groups are now targeting individuals known to hold significant crypto assets, leading to a troubling rise in what has become known as “crypto kidnappings.”A different type of objectiveUnlike traditional bank accounts, cryptocurrency wallets can sometimes be accessed from any device — and in many cases, they are not protected by the same safeguards as financial institutions. For criminals, this presents a unique opportunity. All they need is…

Six things that may cost Americans more after Trump's tariffs

24 Jul

Six everyday items Americans may see higher prices on after Trump’s tariffs

Roger W. WatsonSocial Responsibility

Recent announcements regarding tariffs are expected to affect the pricing of various common products in the United States, possibly exerting more financial strain on families. As novel trade regulations are established, their impact is starting to spread across different industries, ranging from home appliances to the car sector. Even though these actions aim to enhance local manufacturing, they might incur costs for consumers in America.One significant alteration originates from the reestablishment or escalation of duties on merchandise brought in from specific nations, particularly China. These duties aim to shield U.S. sectors by increasing the cost of foreign goods, thus motivating…