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The Alec Baldwin film “Rust” is set to make its world debut at a Polish film festival, marking a significant moment nearly three years after the tragic onset shooting that claimed the life of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. In the aftermath of Hutchins' untimely death in 2021, Baldwin faced accusations of breaching critical gun safety protocols. However, earlier this year, his involuntary manslaughter trial was dismissed due to evidence being withheld. Olga Solovey, Hutchins' mother, expressed her disappointment this…

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has taken aim at Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz, claiming that Scholz is unwittingly aiding Russian President Vladimir Putin by reaching out to him in a phone conversation—his first in nearly two years. During their recent talk, Scholz “denounced Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine and urged President Putin to cease hostilities and pull back his forces,” as relayed by the chancellor's spokesperson, Steffen Hebestreit. Further, Scholz emphasized “Germany’s steadfast commitment to…

What's cooking in the Tigray region two years after peace was declared? Back in the day, the Pretoria agreements were supposed to put a lid on the Tigray conflict, which had claimed close to 600,000 lives. Ethiopian troops, alongside their Eritrean buddies, had faced off against the Tigray People’s Liberation Front. Eritrea didn't sign the peace deal, though, and its soldiers are still hanging around like uninvited guests. Folks in these border areas feel like they've been hung out to dry. That's what Clothilde Hazard, our…

This year, Germany celebrates a significant milestone—the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Under the spirited theme "Preserve Freedom!", celebrations commenced today, resonating deeply against the backdrop of Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine and growing concerns that democracy itself is under siege. Chancellor Olaf Scholz, navigating a turbulent week as his coalition faced a dramatic collapse, released a heartfelt message addressing the nation. He reflected, "The liberal ideals of 1989 are not to be…

On a noteworthy Wednesday, the UN Security Council decided to kick off a two-year plan for phasing out its political mission in Somalia, a task that's been rolling for a decade-plus in East Africa. Back in 2013, the Security Council launched UNSOM to aid Somali leaders in steering toward democracy after over 20 years locked in battles with militias and chaotic elements. Adroitly weaving through Somalia's endemic chaos, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud aims to lead the nation toward a brighter, stable tomorrow. This May,…

Nestled just beyond the bustling edges of Somalia's capital city, the Darus Salam Zoo provides locals with a rare opportunity to witness the wonders of the wild right in their backyard. "We began with a single croc, but now we've got over a century's worth of diverse critters," remarked Muhammad Abd Rahman, the zoo's custodian. "From majestic lions to cunning foxes, prickly porcupines to quick-footed hares—our zoo is a jungle in its own right, albeit sans leopards and cheetahs." Rahman, who nurtures many animals from birth,…

Famous Kenyan actress Wanjiku Mburu makes a tearful plea for her brother George, who's been held captive for a decade by Somali insurgents. NAIROBI, Kenya (AX) — Known for her role as Mama Baha in Machachari, Wanjiku Mburu received a staggering call she never thought she’d get. After ten long years, her brother, George Mburu, who was whisked away by Somali militants, finally broke his silence. Mburu took to TikTok, shedding light on her brother's fate. George, a civilian engineer snatched in January 2014 while in…

A view of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) headquarters in Washington was captured on April 8, 2019. Photographer: Yuri Gripas for REUTERS. Licensing available upon request. Kenya is eyeing an additional financial boost from the International Monetary Fund before the current year wraps up. They've entered discussions about merging the seventh and eighth evaluations of their economic support plan, according to the country's central bank leader, who shared this on Wednesday. Back in early June, Kenya and the IMF struck…

Ethel Kennedy, the devoted widow of the late Robert F. Kennedy, a notable U.S. politician whose life was tragically cut short, has passed away at the age of 96, according to her family’s statement. "With heavy hearts brimming with love, we share the news of our remarkable grandmother's passing," Former Congressman Joe Kennedy III expressed on social platforms, capturing the family's profound sense of loss. Ethel's death, which resulted from complications related to a stroke, signifies not just the loss of a family…

The celebrated Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has announced her forthcoming novel, titled *Dream Count*. This captivating tale follows Chiamaka, a Nigerian travel writer grappling with the complexities of life in the United States. Readers can mark their calendars for the official release on March 4, 2025. Adichie is not a stranger to literary acclaim. Her debut novel, *Purple Hibiscus*, earned her the prestigious Commonwealth Writers' Prize. Following that success, *Half of a Yellow Sun* garnered the Orange Prize…