Author: Andrew Rogers

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy traveled to Washington Monday with top European leaders to meet U.S. President Donald Trump in a critical effort to end Russia’s war. The gathering highlights a rare display of unity among Europe’s most powerful political figures to protect Ukraine and the continent from further Russian aggression. Zelenskyy’s delegation includes European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. Their presence signals a coordinated push to influence U.S. policy and secure Ukraine’s security…

Birmingham Heritage Week returns this September, shining a spotlight on the city’s Jewellery Quarter, which has earned World Craft City status. The event celebrates Birmingham’s rich heritage and the skilled artisans who have shaped its creative industries for over 200 years. The 10-day festival spans the entire city, offering more than 200 events for residents and visitors to explore. From historic tours to interactive workshops, Heritage Week encourages people to discover hidden corners and learn about Birmingham’s fascinating past. Irene De Boo, Heritage Week coordinator, said the program is now the biggest yet. She highlighted the public’s enthusiasm for exploring…

Former Hong Kong pro-democracy politician Ted Hui has been granted asylum in Australia. The protection visa also extends to his wife, children, and parents. Hui announced the news on Facebook, expressing his deep gratitude to the Australian government. He said his family is “very relieved” by the decision. “After years of uncertainty, we can now plan our lives without fear,” Hui told the ABC. “We no longer have to worry about which countries we’ll live in, where our children will go to school, or where we can work.” Hui has been living in Australia for four years after fleeing Hong…

South Africa quietly denied docking rights to a Russian naval training ship carrying 300 cadets. These young sailors were unarmed and on a routine training mission. They sought only a short stay for rest and basic supplies. No official explanation was given. There was no parliamentary debate. The decision went largely unnoticed at home, but it carried significant geopolitical weight. It highlighted a shift in South Africa’s foreign policy, shaped by foreign pressures and intelligence influence rather than public opinion. South Africa has long proclaimed non-alignment and independence in global affairs. Yet the refusal to host the Russian cadets, while…

France is in discussions with Mali after a French citizen was arrested in Bamako over allegations of working with foreign intelligence to destabilize the country. France’s foreign ministry described the claims as “unjustified” and said efforts are underway to secure the immediate release of the individual. The French national, employed at the French embassy, was detained on Thursday. Malian authorities accused him of collaborating with foreign intelligence services to undermine the government. Officials also claimed that “foreign states” are attempting to destabilize Mali. The West African nation’s ruling junta, which seized power after two coups in 2020 and 2021, reported…

American Express is enhancing benefits for its Platinum and Business Platinum cards. Starting September 18th, both cards will offer $300 in Fine Hotels and Resorts (FHR) credits every six months. This is a major upgrade from the current arrangement, where the consumer Platinum card gets only a $200 annual credit and the Business Platinum card has none. These updates come alongside other changes announced earlier, including a rise in annual fees to $895 and modifications to the Business Platinum’s 35% points rebate on premium cabin flights booked through Amex Travel. The rebate will now only apply to your selected airline.…

As talks of a fourth stimulus check in 2025 circulate, many Americans are asking whether they will receive additional money from the IRS. Here’s what you need to know about the American Worker Rebate Act of 2025, upcoming payments, eligibility, and tracking options. Several states have already issued or plan to send “inflation relief checks” to residents affected by rising prices. For instance, New York is distributing one-time payments based on income. Individuals earning up to $75,000 may receive $200, while married couples filing jointly earning up to $150,000 can get $400. Other states, including Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Colorado, have…

A Labour MP has stepped down as the UK’s trade envoy to Turkey following a controversial visit to northern Cyprus, which is under Turkish control. Afzal Khan, who represents Manchester Rusholme, resigned from his government role on Friday. A government spokesman confirmed the departure, citing the sensitive nature of the visit. Mr Khan explained that his trip to the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was personal. He said he visited his nephew and attended a ceremony to receive an honorary degree. The MP also confirmed that he paid for the visit himself. Northern Cyprus has been occupied by Turkish…

Zealand Pharma has reported strong financial results for the first half of 2025, marking progress in its obesity and rare disease programs while reinforcing its leadership team and financial position. The Copenhagen-based biotechnology company, focused on peptide-based medicines, continues to advance its innovative drug pipeline, setting the stage for a promising year ahead. The collaboration with Roche on petrelintide, an amylin analog for weight management, is off to a fast start. The co-development and co-commercialization agreement aims to establish a leading amylin-based franchise in the U.S. and Europe, with profit sharing on a 50/50 basis. Zealand Pharma is also eligible…

The United States has approved a potential $346 million sale of ammunition, precision bombs, and rockets to Nigeria. The move aims to strengthen Nigeria’s military capabilities against terrorism and illegal trafficking. The Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on Wednesday that the State Department authorized the possible sale. Congress was notified of the planned transfer of munitions and related equipment. Nigeria requested a variety of advanced weapons, including 1,002 MK-82 500-pound general-purpose bombs, 1,002 MXU-650 Air Foil Groups for 500-pound Paveway II GBU-12 bombs, and 515 MXU-1006 Air Foil Groups for 250-pound Paveway II GBU-58 bombs. The package also includes…