Author: Onu Akter

TikTok is experiencing its first major “end of the world” moment as evangelical Christians take to the app to share rapture predictions. Users are posting about selling cars, requesting “eternity leave” from work, and preparing for what they believe will be the sudden ascension of true believers. Some even wonder whether pets will be allowed into heaven. One woman suggested removing phone passwords so loved ones left behind could access information. Another bought Bibles in bulk, leaving personalized notes to guide last-minute converts. The rapture is a core belief among some evangelicals, who say true believers will rise to heaven…

In 2017, my life changed in ways I hadn’t anticipated. I had just given birth to my son and was experiencing a midlife crisis. My two-hour commute from New York City to my job as an economist in Philadelphia became unbearable. My marriage, once manageable, began to fall apart, and at work, rejections were mounting. I felt that my male colleagues had more hours in their day and seemed to accomplish more. I noticed how well others managed work, family, and life, while I struggled to keep up. One day, track repairs on my train line left me commuting six…

Nearly twice as many Britons consider artificial intelligence a risk to the economy than see it as an opportunity, according to a poll by the Tony Blair Institute (TBI). The survey of more than 3,700 adults found 38% of respondents view AI as an economic threat, while only 20% see it as a positive force. TBI highlighted lack of public trust as the main barrier to AI adoption in the UK. Jakob Mökander, TBI’s director of science and technology policy, warned that public scepticism could threaten Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s goal of making the UK an AI “superpower.” He noted…

Walking along Lake Constance in southern Germany, I sip apple-secco, a sparkling drink made from apples, and taste cinnamon apple chips and brandy made from old apple varieties. Apples are big here, with 250,000 tonnes harvested every year. In October, the gourmet hiking event brings stalls along the 15km SeeGang trail between Überlingen, Sipplingen and Bodman-Ludwigshafen. Visitors taste apple drinks, plum spirits, cheeses, sausages, onion tarts and homemade cakes. Lake Constance borders Germany, Austria and Switzerland, with Liechtenstein only a short drive away. Many travelers cycle the 160-mile route around the lake or use the Bodensee ticket for ferries, trains…

Al Pacino has been thinking about time and memory. He spoke by phone from Los Angeles about Dog Day Afternoon. The film marks its 50th anniversary this week. Pacino is 85 and is now filming King Lear. He said watching the film again made him feel the loss of many friends. He rewatched his younger self on a big screen. He found that the movie hit him hard. “It’s like a dream,” he said. “You’re dreaming and then you wake up and they’re not there.” He spoke with a calm and quiet tone. He told the story of the film…

Olivia Rodrigo has expressed strong support for Jimmy Kimmel following ABC’s suspension of his late-night show. The Grammy-winning singer, 22, condemned what she called “blatant censorship and abuse of power” by the network. On Saturday, September 20, Rodrigo joined other high-profile figures, including Stephen Colbert and Pedro Pascal, in defending the late-night host. Kimmel’s show was abruptly canceled after he made remarks about the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. Rodrigo shared her thoughts on Instagram, reposting SAG-AFTRA’s statement on the matter. The labor union criticized ABC’s decision, saying it “endangers everyone’s freedoms” and described the suspension as “suppression and…

The H-1B visa, introduced in 1990, allows the US to hire foreign professionals in specialty occupations. It has long been a gateway for skilled immigrants to pursue the American Dream. On September 21, a new $100,000 one-time fee was imposed on new H-1B applicants, raising concerns among global tech professionals. The visa has supported many influential figures who transformed the US technology landscape. Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, transitioned to an H-1B in 1994 after facing challenges in bringing his wife to the US. Nadella’s leadership has helped Microsoft become a global leader in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and enterprise…

The zombie genre has seen many hits over the past 25 years, from The Last of Us to Train to Busan, World War Z, Zombieland, Resident Evil, Dawn of the Dead, and Shaun of the Dead. Among these, 2002’s 28 Days Later stood out for its gritty, documentary-like style using inexpensive digital cameras. Its sequel, 28 Weeks Later, came out in 2007. Now, in 2025, director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland reunite for the third installment, 28 Years Later, bringing a fresh and intense take on zombie horror. 28 Years Later is unique and bold, offering a style that…

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has unveiled a striking new vision for the country, describing plans for a “super-Sparta” approach built on militarization and self-sufficiency. The comments come as Israel faces mounting international criticism over its Gaza campaign and increasing signs of global economic and political isolation. Netanyahu’s rhetoric suggests a long-term strategy that reduces reliance on international trade and partnerships, instead prioritizing defense and domestic production. He framed the idea as a necessary response to what he called unfair external pressure and hostility toward Israel on the global stage. “The world will not decide our fate,” Netanyahu declared in…

A senior figure inside the Kremlin has stepped down, marking one of the most notable resignations in recent years. Dmitry Kozak, deputy chief of staff and a longtime aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin, has quietly left his post, according to official confirmations from Moscow. Kozak, regarded as a skilled political operator, had been close to Putin for decades and was widely seen as part of his trusted inner circle. His departure is drawing attention because he was known to have quietly supported peace initiatives and had at times pushed for greater judicial independence—positions that appeared to diverge from the…