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The Taoiseach has expressed significant concern over the potential consequences of US President Donald Trump's threat to impose 50% tariffs on the EU starting in June, stating that such a move would be "very damaging." Following Mr. Trump's announcement, European stocks experienced a sharp decline, and the euro saw a drop in value. Additionally, eurozone government bond yields fell considerably, indicating a ripple effect across global markets. On his Truth Social platform, Mr. Trump remarked, "The European Union, which…

In the latest Poverty and Equity Brief released by the World Bank in April 2025, the situation in Nigeria paints a rather grim picture: an alarming 41.3% of its urban population lives in poverty, with rural communities bearing an even heavier burden. The factors contributing to this crisis are multifaceted, encompassing economic stagnation, rampant inflation, and widespread insecurity that have collectively stifled growth in recent years. To fully grasp the gravity of this situation, consider that 30.9% of Nigerians were…

Mogadishu (AX) — Since mid-April, heavy rains and flash floods have swept through parts of Somalia, impacting over 45,000 individuals and tragically claiming at least four lives. This unsettling news comes from a recent situation report released by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). As we delve into the details of this situation, it’s essential to reflect on the resilience of Somalia's communities, even in the face of such overwhelming adversity. The report, issued on April 30,…

Water Crisis: Traversing Distances for Vital Resources Communities are embarking on journeys that stretch over long distances in the relentless quest for water, a necessity for both people and their livestock. This scenario, articulated vividly by the minister, presents a harrowing reality: "This increases the risk of displacement, waterborne diseases, and intercommunal tensions over shrinking resources." The backdrop to this crisis is a pattern of recurring droughts and capricious rainfall that has…

Can you imagine spending more than half an hour trying to traverse just 10 kilometers in your car? According to the TomTom Traffic Index, that's the reality for drivers in London, who face the longest average commute times globally. In traffic-slogged London streets, a mere 10-kilometer journey demands an average of 37 minutes and 20 seconds. Indeed, the bustling capital has yet again topped the charts for the longest average commute, raising questions about the balance between urban growth and sustainable city life.…

The White House has recently expressed concerns that Hamas is making "entirely impractical" demands and is stalling negotiations regarding the release of a US-Israeli hostage in exchange for an extension of the Gaza ceasefire. This accusation comes amid a complex backdrop of ongoing tensions and indirect talks. In a statement from the office of President Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, along with the US National Security Council, it was emphasized: "Hamas is making a very bad bet that time is on its side. It is not." The…

The remnants of Cyclone Alfred have unleashed torrential rain across Australia's east coast, leading to significant flooding as emergency workers strive to restore power to over 190,000 homes and businesses. Despite the weather system losing its strength, authorities continue to issue a range of flood and severe weather warnings along a 400 km stretch of coastline that spans Queensland and New South Wales. The Bureau of Meteorology reported that Brisbane, Queensland's capital, received an alarming 30 cm of rain within just…

Across the vast and diverse landscapes of Africa, the specter of hunger casts a long shadow. It's a formidable challenge—one that sees millions of people grappling to secure enough food each day. Envision the plight of families who wake up each morning, unsure of their next meal. How did a continent so rich in resources find itself in such a predicament? Nations like Somalia, Chad, and Madagascar epitomize this struggle, confronting extreme levels of malnutrition and pervasive food shortages.…

In a world interconnected by complex socio-economic forces, the closure of the UN's Southern African bureau stands as a significant decision that reverberates across continents. As we delve into this development, one cannot help but ponder the ramifications on both global and local scales. Positioned amidst an evolving diplomatic climate, the relationship between South Africa and the United States finds itself under scrutiny. At this pivotal moment, the closure of the bureau, largely funded by U.S. contributions,…

STOCKHOLM, Sweden (AX) — In the heart of Sweden, a harrowing event unfolded that has changed the fabric of the community. Qamar Hilowle, a resilient 38-year-old mother of three, was among the ten victims in the tragic school shooting at Campus Risbergska on February 4, a day now etched in Sweden’s history. The tragedy commenced with a hail of bullets at midday, fired by 26-year-old Rickard Andersson, who was swiftly apprehended by authorities. Andersson's links to extremist ideologies have left a nation questioning: What…