Category Archives: World

Putin presents Archbishop of Alaska with Icon of St. Herman

Posted on by
Reply

Russian President Vladimir Putin has presented an icon of St. Herman of Alaska to His Eminence Alexei, Bishop of Sitka and Alaska, during a visit to Anchorage.

The meeting took place shortly after Putin’s talks with U.S. President Donald Trump at the Elmendorf-Richardson Army Base. According to Russian news outlet Vzglyad, the Russian leader conveyed warm greetings from His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia before presenting the gift.

“We met before our trip, and he told me about how the Orthodox Church was born here in Alaska. He spoke warmly of you and asked me to convey his very best wishes,” Putin told the bishop, as reported on the Kremlin’s Telegram channel.

Read Also: Trump announces U.S.-Russia meeting ahead of Ukraine ceasefire deadline

St. Herman of Alaska, one of the most venerated Orthodox saints in America, is regarded as the “Enlightener of America” for his missionary work among Alaska’s Indigenous people in the 18th century.

In response, Bishop Alexei presented Putin with a personal icon given to him by his brother monks on Mount Athos at the time of his consecration. The bishop explained that he had prayed before the icon for four years and wished to gift it to the Russian president as a gesture of gratitude for Russia’s historic role in bringing Orthodox Christianity to Alaska.

The exchange of gifts highlighted the enduring spiritual and cultural ties between Russia and Alaska, rooted in the Orthodox Church’s centuries-old presence in the region.

Putin presents Archbishop of Alaska with Icon of St. Herman

UK politicians should focus on British issues, not Nigeria – Kemi Badenoch

Posted on by
Reply

UK Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has urged politicians in the United Kingdom to prioritise domestic issues over foreign matters, including those relating to Nigeria.

Speaking in an interview with GB News, Badenoch emphasised that her main identity is British, despite her Nigerian ancestry and early upbringing. She said the BBC had slightly misrepresented her earlier remarks but maintained that her focus remains on the UK.

“My main identity is as British. That is what I see myself as,” she explained. “As a politician in this country, we need to be very focused on what is happening here, not what’s happening elsewhere. And every day, I see loads of Labour MPs in particular talking about every other country except the UK.”

Read Also: Kemi Badenoch: My kids couldn’t get citizenship in Nigeria, but Nigerians easily get UK citizenship

Badenoch criticised what she described as a growing tendency among some lawmakers to comment more on international affairs than on domestic challenges, insisting that integration and commitment to British values should be a priority.

“If you come to this country, you need to be very focused on making sure that you integrate. And if you’re a politician, you need to be 100% focused on British issues. And that’s basically what I was saying,” she added.

Her comments also echo a recent statement on the Rosebud podcast, where she disclosed that she had not renewed her Nigerian passport in over 20 years and no longer considers herself Nigerian by identity.

“I’m Nigerian through ancestry, by birth, despite not being born there because of my parents. But by identity, I’m not really. I know the country very well, I have a lot of family there, and I’m very interested in what happens there,” she said during the August 1 episode.

Badenoch’s remarks have sparked fresh debate on the role of identity and foreign policy focus in British politics.

Emory University on lockdown as police respond to active shooter report

Posted on by
Reply

Emory University in Atlanta was placed on lockdown Friday following reports of an active shooter on campus.

In an emergency alert sent to students and staff, the university urged the community to “RUN, HIDE, FIGHT” and avoid the affected area.

Atlanta police confirmed they were responding to the incident but did not release immediate details about the suspect or any possible victims. Residents and visitors in surrounding areas were advised to remain indoors until authorities declared the area safe.

Read Also: Police arraign serial killer ‘Olori Esho’ for alleged murder

According to the Associated Press, staff at a nearby deli locked the doors and sheltered inside after hearing gunfire. Brandy Giraldo, chief operating officer of General Muir, said workers heard a rapid succession of shots.

“It sounded like fireworks going off, one right after the other,” she recalled.

Reacting to the situation, Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr said, “We’re horrified by the news out of Emory University and praying for the safety of the entire campus community.”

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

Trump to announce Apple’s $100 billion boost in U.S. manufacturing investments

Posted on by
Reply

Former U.S. President Donald Trump is set to announce that Apple Inc. will invest an additional $100 billion in American manufacturing over the next four years — a major win for the country’s economy and national security.

The announcement, expected on Wednesday, marks a significant expansion of Apple’s domestic operations, raising its total planned investment in the United States from $500 billion to $600 billion. The move also includes the direct hiring of 20,000 American workers.

“Today’s announcement with Apple is another win for our manufacturing industry that will simultaneously help reshore the production of critical components to protect America’s economic and national security,” said White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers.

Apple CEO Tim Cook confirmed the commitment, stating: “We’re proud to increase our investments across the United States to $600 billion over four years and launch our new American Manufacturing Program. This includes new and expanded partnerships with 10 U.S. companies that produce components used in Apple products sold worldwide.”

Read Also: Trump arrives in Scotland for four-day visit

The tech giant’s decision comes amid mounting trade tensions, as Trump continues to push for reshoring of manufacturing and reduce dependency on foreign supply chains. Apple, which heavily relies on global suppliers and assembles most of its products in China, has been in the crosshairs of Trump’s tariff policies.

Earlier this year, Cook warned that the proposed tariffs could cost Apple as much as $900 million in a single fiscal quarter. To mitigate the impact, Apple has ramped up production in countries like India — a move Trump has publicly criticized.

During a recent event in Qatar, Trump recalled telling Cook: “I don’t want you building in India.” On the same day as Apple’s announcement, Trump doubled U.S. tariffs on Indian goods from 25% to 50%, citing the country’s purchase of Russian oil.

In a bid to avoid the financial hit from these tariffs, Apple reportedly shipped up to 1.5 million iPhones from India to the U.S. earlier this year, according to Reuters.

Apple’s expanded U.S. investment also includes a $500 million deal with MP Materials, the operator of America’s only rare earths mine. The partnership aims to expand a Texas factory that will produce vibration magnets for iPhones using recycled materials.

Speaking on a recent investors call, Cook stressed Apple’s growing domestic footprint: “There’s a load of different things done in the United States.” He pointed to the iPhone’s glass displays and Face ID modules as examples of components already made in the U.S.

“We’re doing more in this country,” Cook added. “We already produce roughly 19 billion chips in the U.S. and we plan to do even more.”

Despite the ongoing trade challenges and investor concerns over Apple’s delayed entry into artificial intelligence, the company’s latest earnings report exceeded expectations. Surging iPhone sales helped drive a strong financial quarter, causing Apple’s stock to jump over 5% on Wednesday.

With this $100 billion boost, Apple’s commitment signals a strong push toward strengthening America’s tech manufacturing sector, aligning with Trump’s “America First” economic agenda.

‘The walking dead’ star Kelley Mack dies at 33 after battle with brain cancer

Posted on by
Reply

Kelley Mack, the talented actress best known for her role as Addy on The Walking Dead, has died at the age of 33 following a battle with glioma, a form of cancer affecting the central nervous system.

Her family confirmed that she passed away on Saturday in her hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio. The heartbreaking announcement was made via her official Instagram page.

Mack gained recognition for her performance as Addy, a Hilltop Colony survivor in Season 9 of AMC’s hit zombie drama series, The Walking Dead, which aired between 2018 and 2019.

Beyond her work on The Walking Dead, she appeared in popular television shows including 9-1-1 (Fox, 2019) and Chicago Med (NBC, 2022). She was also a familiar face in national commercials for major brands such as Dr Pepper (notably in the fictional “Fansville” campaign), Budweiser, Dairy Queen, Chick-fil-A, Rakuten, Eli Lilly, and Ross Stores. Notably, she featured in a Rakuten advertisement alongside her real-life mother.

Read Also: Daredevil Felix Baumgartner dies in paragliding crash

Described by her family as “vibrant, passionate, and full of life,” Mack was remembered for her love of storytelling and her magnetic presence on and off screen.

“Kelley’s vibrant spirit, creative passion and dedication to storytelling left an indelible mark on everyone she met and the audiences who watched her perform,” her family said in a heartfelt tribute.

Outside her acting career, Mack lived a rich and active life. She played college tennis and enjoyed hobbies such as hiking, biking, playing pickleball and piano, traveling, and participating in fantasy football leagues. She also had a deep fondness for bourbon, stuffed animals, country music, British accents, and dark chocolate. She often joked about being a “lifelong smoker,” a self-deprecating reference her loved ones say was part of her charm.

She is survived by her parents, Kristen and Lindsay; her sister Kathryn; brother and fellow actor Parker; grandparents Lois and Larry; and her beloved boyfriend, Logan.

A memorial service in her honor is scheduled to take place on August 16 at 1 p.m. at the Glendale Lyceum in Glendale, Ohio. A separate celebration of life is also being organized for her friends and colleagues in Los Angeles.

Attend classes or lose your visa – U.S. cautions Nigerian students on academic violations

Posted on by
Reply

The United States has issued a strong warning to international students, including Nigerians, about the serious consequences of violating student visa rules.

In a statement released on Monday via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria cautioned that students who drop out, skip classes, or abandon their academic programmes without informing their schools could face visa revocation and may also be barred from future U.S. visa applications.

“If you drop out, skip classes, or leave your programmes of study without informing your school, your student visa may be revoked, and you may lose eligibility for future U.S. visas,” the message read.

Read Also: Seven Asian countries Nigerians can visit without visa

The mission urged all student visa holders to strictly comply with visa regulations, stay in good academic standing, and always notify their schools of any changes in their enrolment status.

“Always adhere to the terms of your visa and maintain your student status to avoid any issues,” the U.S. Mission emphasized.

This advisory serves as a reminder of the strict enforcement policies around student visas and the importance of academic compliance for all foreign students studying in the United States.

U.S. introduces $15,000 visa bond for applicants from high overstay countries

Posted on by
Reply

In a renewed effort to curb visa overstays, the United States government has launched a new visa bond policy requiring select applicants to pay up to $15,000 before being granted entry.

According to a statement from the U.S. State Department, the new rule—part of a 12-month pilot program—will take effect from August 20. It mandates that applicants for B-1 or B-2 nonimmigrant visas from countries with high overstay rates must pay a bond of no less than $5,000, and up to $15,000, as a condition for visa issuance.

The bond will be refunded if the visa holder complies with the terms of their stay and leaves the U.S. before their visa expires. However, it will be forfeited if the individual overstays.

Read Also: Seven Asian countries Nigerians can visit without visa

The State Department noted that the program targets applicants from nations identified in a 2023 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) report as having significant rates of visa overstays. While the specific countries affected were not disclosed, the policy is expected to impact multiple regions with historically high overstay statistics.

Those subject to the bond must also enter and exit the U.S. through designated airports.

The Trump administration, since returning to the White House in January, has ramped up efforts to tighten immigration controls. The visa bond initiative, the department stated, forms a “key pillar” of the administration’s strategy to address national security threats posed by visa overstays.

Nigerian Aladejana fatally stabbed in London apartment, suspects in custody

Posted on by
Reply

The Metropolitan Police in the United Kingdom have confirmed the arrest and charging of two individuals in connection with the tragic murder of 26-year-old Nigerian, Ayowale Aladejana, who was fatally stabbed in his apartment in New Cross, southeast London.

According to a statement by the police, a man and a woman have now been formally charged with murder as investigations into the incident continue.

“Ben Wazabanga, 23 (24.10.2001) of Fairfax Road, Bedford was charged with murder and possession of a knife on Monday, 4 August. He was remanded in custody and will appear at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 4 August.

“Ronique Belfon, 23 (10.05.2002) of Morinsbury Road, Bedford was charged with murder on Monday, 4 August. She was remanded to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 4 August,” the report read.

Speaking on the incident, Detective Chief Inspector Lucie Card, who is leading the investigation, was quoted as saying, “Our thoughts are with Ayowale’s family and friends at this difficult time.

Read Also: Police recover body of Kogi journalist murdered by colleague

“I understand this incident will be concerning and we are carrying out a fast-paced and thorough investigation to establish the circumstances. I would encourage anyone who has not yet spoken to us.”

The investigation was reportedly launched after officers were called to reports of a man with stab wounds at a residential address in Monson Road, New Cross, at 19:26hrs on Saturday, August 2.

The officers were said to have responded alongside the London Ambulance Service and medics from London’s Air Ambulance, however, Ayowale died at the scene despite efforts to save him.

The report added that a post-mortem examination conducted on Sunday gave a preliminary cause of death as stab wound to the chest.

Ayowale’s family are also reportedly being supported by specially trained officers.

3.0-Magnitude earthquake shakes New Jersey, tremors felt in New York

Posted on by
Reply

A mild earthquake measuring 3.0 magnitude struck northern New Jersey late Saturday, sending tremors across parts of the state and New York City, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

The quake occurred at 10:18 p.m., with its epicenter located in Hasbrouck Heights, near Teterboro Airport. Residents in Brooklyn, Westchester County, and even parts of Connecticut also reported feeling the shaking.

The New York City Emergency Management Department confirmed there were no reports of injuries or structural damage. Officials advised residents who experienced the tremor to inspect their surroundings for any hazards, such as fallen debris, shifted furniture, or cracks.

Read Also: Massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake in Russia sparks global Tsunami waves

In Bergen County, which includes Hasbrouck Heights, local authorities also reported no major impacts. Social media platforms and neighborhood group chats quickly lit up with discussions, as some initially suspected a gas explosion or fallen tree before learning it was an earthquake.

Bradford Billingsley, a Harlem resident, recounted feeling the tremor while watching TV. “We both felt a sudden jolt and looked at each other and said, ‘Was that an earthquake?’” he told News Access NG.

Geologists note that small earthquakes occur regularly in the New York–New Jersey region but are often too minor to be felt. Quakes of 3.0 magnitude are considered mild and rarely cause significant damage.

The last notable earthquake in the area happened in April 2024, when a 4.8-magnitude tremor shook buildings in New York City and startled residents from Philadelphia to Boston.

What causes a Tsunami? Understanding the science behind the waves

Posted on by
Reply

Tsunamis are among the most powerful and destructive natural disasters on Earth, capable of wiping out entire coastal communities in minutes. But what exactly causes these giant waves, and how do they form?

The recent 8.8-magnitude earthquake off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, which triggered tsunami waves across the Pacific Ocean, including Hawaii, California, Japan, and New Zealand, offers a real-time case study of how tsunamis originate and behave.

What Is a Tsunami?

A tsunami is a series of sea waves caused by the sudden displacement of a large volume of water, usually in an ocean or large lake. Contrary to popular belief, tsunamis are not just “big waves”—they behave more like a rapidly rising tide or wall of water that moves at incredible speed and carries immense force.

What Causes a Tsunami?

The most common causes of tsunamis are: Underwater Earthquakes; Submarine Landslides; Volcanic Eruptions; Meteorite Impacts

Of these, underwater earthquakes—especially those caused by subduction zones—are the leading triggers of tsunamis.

The Kamchatka Earthquake of 2025

On July 30, 2025, an 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck off Russia’s Far East, near the Kamchatka Peninsula. The quake occurred in a subduction zone, where one tectonic plate (the Pacific Plate) is forced beneath another (the North American Plate).

The sudden movement of these massive plates displaced a vast volume of water in the Pacific Ocean, generating tsunami waves that spread outward in all directions.

Tsunami alerts were quickly issued across the Pacific Rim—from Japan to Hawaii, California, Washington, and even parts of New Zealand. Waves reached Hawaii around 1:30 a.m. ET, prompting emergency evacuations and widespread warnings.

The Role of Tectonic Plates and Subduction Zones

Tectonic plates are enormous slabs of the Earth’s crust that float on the molten mantle beneath. When these plates collide or shift, energy builds up. If the pressure becomes too great, it is released in the form of an earthquake.

In subduction zones, one plate slides under another. When the fault line suddenly slips, it can displace the ocean floor vertically—either thrusting it upward or pulling it downward—instantly displacing massive amounts of water. This is what generates a tsunami.

This is exactly what happened off Kamchatka, making it similar in mechanism to the 2011 Japan earthquake that led to the devastating Fukushima tsunami.

Read Also: Massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake in Russia sparks global Tsunami waves

What Happens After the Earthquake?

Once a tsunami is generated, the waves travel at speeds of 500–800 km/h (310–500 mph) in deep ocean—similar to the speed of a jet plane. As the waves approach shallower coastal areas, their speed decreases but their height increases dramatically.

Tsunamis don’t usually look like traditional crashing waves. Instead, the sea may suddenly recede, exposing the seafloor, followed by a rapidly advancing wall of water.

Aftershocks—smaller earthquakes that follow the main quake—can also generate additional tsunami waves, prolonging the danger.

Why Early Warning Systems Matter

Thanks to seismic monitoring and tsunami early warning systems, alerts were sent out just minutes after the Kamchatka quake. Evacuations in Japan, Hawaii, and parts of New Zealand helped minimize loss of life.

Agencies like the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) and national emergency departments track seismic activity 24/7. However, in cases of local tsunamis (those hitting within minutes), people near the epicenter must act fast based on natural warning signs.

Warning Signs of a Tsunami

  • Strong or long-lasting ground shaking near the coast
  • Sudden rise or fall in sea level
  • Loud ocean roar or unusual sea sounds
  • Rapid retreat of the shoreline

If you notice these signs, don’t wait for an official warning—move to higher ground immediately.

In Summary

The 2025 Kamchatka earthquake demonstrates just how powerful and far-reaching tsunamis can be. Caused by sudden shifts in tectonic plates—especially in subduction zones—these natural events remind us of the Earth’s dynamic nature and the importance of global early warning systems.

Understanding the science behind tsunamis is crucial not only for emergency response teams and coastal authorities but also for everyday people living near oceans and seas.