World

In reflecting on the monumental impact of Live Aid, Irish musician Bob Geldof noted that four decades later, these historic concerts instilled a belief that "the individual was not powerless" and that anyone could effect change in the world. Geldof, alongside Midge Ure, organized two unforgettable concerts—one at London's Wembley Stadium and the other at Philadelphia's JFK Stadium—with the goal of raising crucial funds for famine relief in Ethiopia. The stages were graced by an array of legendary artists, including…

Israel has successfully launched its latest national communications satellite aboard a SpaceX rocket, marking an exciting advancement in its aerospace capabilities. The Dror 1 satellite was launched into orbit on a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida, as confirmed by both Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and the Israeli Foreign Ministry. The ministry described the Dror 1 as a "$200 million 'smartphone in space' that will enhance Israel's strategic and civilian communications for the next 15 years." This…

Four decades after Live Aid transformed the musical landscape, Evelyn O'Rourke reflects on ten significant ways this legendary event made history. "A weird and wonderful crusade." This is how BBC journalist Michael Buerk characterized the Band Aid project initiated by Bob Geldof, Midge Ure, and their fellow musicians during Christmas 1984. He pointed out that even though many of the participating pop stars were immensely wealthy, they displayed remarkable public empathy for the suffering of the Ethiopian people. It all…

Reflecting on Live Aid: A Moment in Music History On this pivotal day in 1985, approximately 1.9 billion viewers around the globe tuned in to witness the monumental event known as Live Aid. This mega-concert, envisioned by the talented duo Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, aimed to raise crucial funds for famine relief efforts in Ethiopia. Two remarkable concerts took place simultaneously—one at London’s Wembley Stadium and another at Philadelphia’s JFK Stadium. These venues became hallowed ground for music lovers and activists…

US Attorney General Pam Bondi has made the decision to drop charges against a doctor accused of destroying Covid-19 vaccines and issuing fraudulent vaccination certificates. This move has sparked conversations about the ongoing contentious debates surrounding vaccination and public health. The trial's unexpected halt comes just days after it began, reflecting a broader trend towards vaccine skepticism under the Trump administration. In 2023, Dr. Michael Kirk Moore, a plastic surgeon based in Utah, was indicted by the…

The European Union is advocating for a negotiated approach to trade with the United States, as highlighted by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. She announced an extension of the EU's suspension of countermeasures against US tariffs until early August. In a recent development, former President Donald Trump issued a threat to impose a steep 30% tariff on imports from both the EU and Mexico, effective August 1. This announcement follows a series of stalled negotiations with key trading partners. Reflecting…

Katie Taylor expressed her heartfelt emotions following her recent victory, stating, "These are the nights I dreamed of as a kid," after successfully defending her undisputed world super lightweight title against Amanda Serrano in New York. During her post-fight address at Madison Square Garden, Taylor took a moment to acknowledge the incredible support from her fans, who turned out in impressive numbers. “I am so happy and so grateful to be sitting here again as a winner,” she shared, emphasizing the significance of this…

This weekend, we celebrate a remarkable milestone: the 40th anniversary of Live Aid. Conceived by the visionary duo Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, these star-studded fundraising concerts were pivotal in raising awareness and support for famine relief in Ethiopia. On July 13, 1985, the world witnessed an extraordinary display of unity as two concerts unfolded simultaneously—one at Wembley Stadium in London, and the other at JFK Stadium in Philadelphia, USA. As Bob Geldof once remarked, "We've got to help these people. We can’t…

US President Donald Trump has offered his support for both state and federal responses to the devastating flash flooding in Texas during his recent visit to the Hill Country. This tragic event resulted in the loss of at least 120 lives, including many children. While participating in a roundtable discussion following a tour of Kerr County, the epicenter of the disaster, Mr. Trump commended Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem for their efforts, stating they did an "incredible job." This…

Earlier this month, British lawmakers voted to classify the pro-Palestinian movement Palestine Action as a terrorist organization. This designation brings severe consequences, including a potential prison sentence of up to 14 years for any member of the group. Tommy Meskill, RTÉ's London correspondent, delves into the reasons behind the ban and its implications. In the early hours of June 20, while much of the UK was asleep, members of Palestine Action infiltrated the British RAF base at Brize Norton. The group later…