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New Leadership in U.S. Africa Bureau Faces Complex Challenges Nick Checker, who stepped into the role of head of the State Department's Africa Bureau earlier this month, brings a unique perspective to the position after spending most of the past decade at the CIA. Unlike his two predecessors—career diplomats who served under President Trump—Checker has only four months of experience at the State Department. As the 'Senior Bureau Official,' a title currently used for acting positions across numerous agencies, Checker is…

The Cookers cancel New Year’s Eve shows at renamed Trump Kennedy Center as backlash grows WASHINGTON — The veteran jazz ensemble the Cookers has canceled its New Year’s Eve performances at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., becoming the latest group to pull out after the arts institution was renamed to include President Donald Trump’s name. “Jazz was born from struggle and from a relentless insistence on freedom: freedom of thought, of expression, and of the full human voice,” the band said in a statement announcing its…

WASHINGTON — The board of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has voted to rename the institution the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt, a move that immediately sparked procedural questions and political backlash over altering the nation’s living memorial to President John F. Kennedy. It was not immediately clear how soon a change could take effect. A source with ties to the institution said Congress must approve any name alteration. US Representative Joyce Beatty, an…

Today, a massive turnout of tens of thousands is anticipated across the United States, rallying behind Vice President Kamala Harris as she vies for the presidency. The annual Women’s March is set to unfold not only in Washington, D.C. but in various cities nationwide, taking place just three days prior to the pivotal U.S. Election. The slogan for this year’s event, “We Won’t Go Back!” resonates deeply, expressing a strong resistance against the possibility of another Donald Trump presidency and its potential ramifications…

A navy vessel transporting migrants has successfully docked at Shengjin port in Albania, marking a significant milestone in the recently established agreement between Italy and Albania. This marks the inaugural arrival of migrants under this new pact. After a lengthy journey of 36 hours, the Italian navy ship brought 16 individuals hailing from Bangladesh and Egypt. These individuals will temporarily reside in prefabricated accommodations while their applications for asylum are being assessed. Italy has set up two…

Adolfo Urso, the Italian Minister responsible for Business and Made in Italy, observes attentively during a question-and-answer session in Rome’s lower house on September 11, 2024. REUTERS/Remo Casilli/File Photo - Grab your Licensing Rights. Italy has plans to revive a once-dormant space center in Kenya for launching Earth observation satellites in the next few years, shared the nation’s industry minister on Sunday. Urso stated, "We aim to breathe new life into this facility, launching low-orbit micro-satellites to…

The Israeli government has announced that it recently targeted Hezbollah's intelligence headquarters in Beirut, with assessments ongoing regarding the extent of the damage. This operation comes on the heels of multiple strikes aimed at prominent figures within the group, an act that Iran's Supreme Leader has labeled as counterproductive. In light of a recent ballistic missile strike from Iran—a direct response to Israeli military actions in Lebanon—Israel is currently contemplating its next moves. The regional tension has…

The skies may appear serene over New York this week, yet a foreboding atmosphere envelops the city as global leaders convene for the annual United Nations General Assembly. Despite the bright blue above, a heavy cloud of tension and strife shadows the proceedings. With violent conflicts erupting in Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, and other regions, the sentiment among the delegates is undeniably grim. Richard Gowan, the UN Director for the Crisis Group, remarked, "It's crucial to recognize that this high-level week unfolds after…

According to a report, IS-Somalia manages to fund terrorist activities in multiple African nations. Omar Mahmood, a senior researcher with the International Crisis Group (ICG), remarked that IS-Somalia's influence extends beyond Somalia's borders to a greater extent than that of al-Shabab. "Al-Shabab is undeniably a larger menace," conveyed Mahmood. "However, IS-Somalia has endured significant challenges and established itself within the broader Islamic State network, particularly as a crucial financial hub among its…

Fifteen Malian soldiers were killed in an ambush blamed on jihadists on Thursday, August 19, in the center of the country, the Malian army announced. At least 20 others were injured and taken to a hospital in the town of Sévaré. as reported from Bamako, Serge DanielThe attack took place exactly between the towns of Nokara and…