Author: HeraldStar

A 4.4 magnitude earthquake struck near Los Angeles, California, as reported by the US Geological Survey (USGS). The quake occurred at 12:20 p.m., just 2 miles southeast of Highland Park, a neighborhood in Los Angeles, at a depth of 12.1 km. Initially recorded as a 4.7 magnitude quake, the USGS later revised it to 4.4. The tremors were felt across several areas, including Los Angeles, East San Gabriel, Rosemead, Monterey Park, and Long Beach. In response, the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) immediately activated its “earthquake mode,” initiating a one-hour survey to inspect critical infrastructure and other key areas. As…

Amid growing fears of an impending recession, economist Ed Yardeni has offered a more optimistic perspective, arguing that traditional recession indicators, such as the inverted yield curve, may be misleading in the current economic environment. In his latest analysis, Yardeni pointed to several key factors that suggest the U.S. economy remains on stable ground. Yardeni emphasized that credit conditions have held up remarkably well despite the Federal Reserve’s tightening of interest rates. He noted that the Fed’s Senior Loan Officer Opinion Survey shows that fewer lenders have tightened their lending standards this year, with expectations for a broader loosening in…

As Nigeria marked this year’s International Youth Day, the National Youth Alliance (NYA) condemned the country’s leadership, accusing them of being “dream killers” who perpetuate themselves in power at the expense of the nation’s youth. In a statement issued by NYA Imo State Chairman, Chinonso Uba, the group lamented the dire state of youth participation in governance, contrasting it with other nations where young people play active roles in leadership. Uba highlighted that while countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and some African nations empower their youth to lead, Nigeria’s leaders have stifled the potential of their young…

In a wave of unrest that echoes the Arab Spring, protests have erupted across Africa, with Kenya, Uganda, and Nigeria at the forefront of this rising tide of anger. The demonstrations, sparked by issues ranging from tax hikes and corruption to soaring living costs, have gripped the continent and captured global attention. In Kenya, widespread protests against tax increases culminated in a dramatic showdown on June 25, when demonstrators stormed the Parliament Building in Nairobi, setting it ablaze and symbolically seizing power. This unrest quickly spread across the continent, with Ugandans taking to the streets in July to denounce corruption,…

In a troubling turn of events, Tunisia’s media landscape is facing unprecedented pressure as the government intensifies its crackdown on dissent ahead of the upcoming presidential election. The departure of veteran journalist Elyes Gharbi from Mosaïque FM’s “Midi Show” after nine years highlights the growing threats against press freedom in the country. Gharbi’s exit follows a year of increasing repression, with authorities stifling critical voices and silencing media professionals. Human Rights Watch has reported that at least five journalists are currently imprisoned for their work, and the National Syndicate of Tunisian Journalists (SNJT) notes that 39 legal cases have been…

In a significant move to safeguard workers’ rights, the UAE government has introduced stringent measures to penalize employers who breach labour laws. A federal decree outlines severe punishments for companies engaging in illegal practices, including hiring minors, employing workers without valid permits, and falsifying recruitment figures. The new legislation imposes fines ranging from Dh100,000 to Dh1 million for offences such as: The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has been empowered to settle cases, provided the employer pays half of the minimum fine value and repays government incentives obtained through fake employees. Disputes will be brought before the courts if…

The 2024 World Youth Development Forum has officially launched in Beijing, coinciding with International Youth Day, drawing over 2,000 young participants from more than 130 countries and 20 international organizations. The forum, which blends online and on-site participation, opened with a ceremony and plenary meeting attended by over 500 youth leaders and representatives, marking the start of a dynamic week filled with discussions and activities. Throughout the event, participants will explore various Chinese cities, including Nanning and Hangzhou, engaging in dialogues on crucial topics such as green development, digital innovation, cultural preservation, and youth-driven urban planning. Under the theme “Together…

In a surprising move, Pakistan’s military announced the arrest of retired Lt. Gen. Faiz Hameed, the former head of the influential Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), in connection with a land development case. The Supreme Court ordered his detention, marking an unusual step against such a high-ranking officer in a country where the military has played a dominant role for over three decades since its independence 77 years ago. The military’s statement revealed that multiple violations of the Pakistan Army Act had been identified post-Hameed’s retirement, leading to the initiation of a Field General Court Martial. Hameed, who served as ISI chief…

OPEC has revised its global oil demand growth forecast for 2024, citing softer-than-expected economic performance in China. In a significant shift, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries reduced its estimate from 2.25 million barrels per day (bpd) to 2.11 million bpd, marking the first cut in its 2024 forecast since July 2023. This adjustment underscores the challenges faced by the OPEC+ alliance as it considers raising production starting in October. The downgrade comes amid growing concerns over China’s economic slowdown, particularly in the diesel consumption sector, and the ongoing crisis in the Chinese property market, which has further dampened…

South Korea and the United States are set to launch their annual summertime military drills, Ulchi Freedom Shield, from August 19 to 29, with a focus on bolstering their defenses against North Korea’s growing arsenal and cyber threats. These exercises, aimed at enhancing the alliance’s readiness, come as North Korea advances its nuclear and missile programs while seeking to deploy reconnaissance satellites. The drills will encompass “realistic threats” across multiple domains, including missile attacks, GPS jamming, and cyber warfare—reflecting lessons learned from recent global incidents. In a joint statement, the militaries of both nations emphasized their commitment to strengthening their…