2025 | Page 100 of 264 | Trendbrio.com

Trump’s Big, Beautiful Bill Passes Senate by Razor-Thin Margin, Heads to House Amid Healthcare and Debt Concerns

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

In a dramatic late-night session, the U.S. Senate has narrowly passed what President Donald Trump has dubbed the “Big, Beautiful Bill” — a sweeping tax and spending reform package that has stirred intense political debate. The legislation now moves to the House of Representatives, where a heated showdown is expected. The bill scraped through the Senate in a 50-50 tie, broken by Vice President JD Vance’s deciding vote after more than 27 hours of intense floor debate and behind-the-scenes negotiations. At least three Republican senators — Rand Paul, Susan Collins, and Tom Tillis — initially voiced opposition, citing concerns ranging from ballooning national debt to drastic cuts in healthcare coverage. In the end, only Collins held her ground, while Murkowski and others yielded under growing pressure from party leadership. Paolo von Schirach, president of the Global Policy Institute, told Al Jazeera that Trump’s firm grip on the Republican Party played a major role in securing the bill’s passage. “He essentially threatens anybody who votes against anything he wants with a primary challenge,” von Schirach said. “That’s how he keeps people in line.” The bill’s passage has drawn fierce criticism from progressive Democrats. Representative Pramila Jayapal, chair of the House Progressive Caucus, condemned the legislation in a post on social media: “A victory lap for ripping health care away from 17 million poor Americans. There are no words.” Senator Rand Paul, a vocal critic, warned that the bill could add up to \$3 trillion to the national debt over the next decade. Meanwhile, Senator Tillis raised concerns about millions of Americans potentially losing access to various forms of health coverage. Despite the opposition, Republican leaders celebrated the bill as a legislative win for the Trump administration and a key piece of the president’s economic agenda. With the House vote expected soon, the political stakes remain high as both parties prepare for what could be one of the most consequential legislative battles ahead of the 2026 midterms.

Juventus Tables New Contact for Osimhen

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago12 mins

Serie A giants Napoli will definitely see Victor Osimhen depart this summer and there is increasing possibility of him joining Juventus. The Bianconeri were linked with the striker some months ago and now, they are back in the fray, with the forward struggling to attract suitable offers for himself. Gianluca di Marzio has reported that the Old Lady have two options for the striker’s department and while one is Jonathan David, the key target is Osimhen. They are serious about signing the Nigeria international and Igor Tudor is keen to have him in Turin. Contact between the two parties intensified over the weekend. Juve’s goal is to acquire the player’s approval for the transfer so that they can then agree a wage with the player. After that, they will negotiate with Napoli, who have inserted a release clause in Osimhen’s current contract but it is only applicable to clubs abroad.

Man City Crashes Out of Club World Cup

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago05 mins

Manchester City crashed out of the Club World Cup as Al-Hilal snatched a stunning 4-3 victory in extra time of a pulsating last-16 clash in Orlando. Marcos Leonardo grabbed his second goal with 112 minutes on the clock as the Saudi Arabian side produced a major upset. Bernardo Silva gave City a ninth-minute lead but Pep Guardiola’s side were punished for missing a series of chances as Leonardo and Malcom replied after the break. Erling Haaland sent the game to extra time but City needed another equaliser from Phil Foden after Kalidou Koulibaly headed Al-Hilal back ahead. City, who were caught repeatedly on the break, were undone again as Leonardo had the final say and the Saudi side will now play Fluminense for a place in the semi-finals. Guardiola, having taken the competition seriously, will rue a wasteful first-half display. His side started quickly with Ruben Dias heading straight at Yassine Bounou. The opening goal soon came, although it proved highly controversial with complaints of handball against Rayan Ait-Nouri and Ilkay Gundogan. Tijjani Reijnders cleverly played in Ait-Nouri but the ball appeared to brush the Algerian’s hand before he crossed. It then took two ricochets, the second off the shoulder of Gundogan, before Silva poked past Bounou. Al-Hilal players surrounded referee Jesus Valenzuela but the Venezuelan was unmoved. City should have extended their lead before half-time but Bounou denied Savinho, Gundogan, Josko Gvardiol and Jeremy Doku. Silva had a shot parried but, after riding their luck, Al-Hilal went close through Leonardo and Malcom. City failed to heed those warnings and were punished as Al-Hilal struck twice in the first seven minutes of the second half. The equaliser came as former City full-back Joao Cancelo drove in a low cross. Ederson pushed away and Malcom’s attempt on the rebound was blocked but the ball looped up for Leonardo to head in. City were stung again moments later as Al-Hilal quickly recycled the ball from a corner they were defending. Malcom broke from halfway and buried a low shot into the far corner. City needed to respond and did so as a Silva corner led to a goalmouth scramble. Haaland pounced from close range to level but, far from settling nerves, the Premier League side remained vulnerable. Malcom was brought down by Dias for what seemed a certain penalty only for an offside flag to spare City. It also took a good recovery tackle by Manuel Akanji to prevent Malcom getting in another shot and Mohamed Kanno fluffed a free header. City were inches away as Akanji headed against the post and Haaland’s follow-up was cleared off the line. Both sides had further attacks and Doku was pulled back seconds before the final whistle was blown. Guardiola raced onto the field to complain but the game was heading to extra time. City, who lost Haaland to injury, were stunned when Al-Hilal reclaimed the lead with Koulibaly’s powerful header. Yet the drama was far from over as Foden, having come off the bench to replace another substitute in the ineffective Rodri, exquisitely volleyed in from a Rayan Cherki cross. Al-Hilal refused to lie down and scored yet again as Leonardo pounced to settle the contest after Ederson had pushed away a header from Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.

Court Jails Five Chinese for Cyberterrorism, Internet Fraud in Lagos

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, secured the conviction and sentence of five Chinese for cyber-terrorism and internet fraud before Justice Dehinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos The suspects are: Guo Qiang (aka Wu You You), Yang Shumei, Guo Zhi Yong, Zhang Gia Feng and Lu Yi Liang. They are among the syndicate of 792 alleged cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud suspects arrested on December 19, 2024 in Lagos during a sting operation tagged ‘Eagle Flush Operation’ conducted by EFCC operatives. They were arraigned on separate charges bordering on cyber-terrorism and internet fraud. One of the charges reads: “That you, Guo Qiang (aka Wu You You) sometime in December 2024 at Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourabe Court, wilfully caused to be accessed computer system for the purpose of destabilizing and destroying the economy and social structure of Nigeria and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 18 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015 (As Amended, 2024]”. They initially pleaded “not guilty” to the charges preferred against them. However, during Tuesday’s sitting, they all changed their “not guilty plea” to “guilty.” In view of this, the prosecution counsel, U.S Kyari, prayed the court to convict them as charged. All the defendants were sentenced to one year imprisonment, with a fine of N1,000,000.00 (One Million Naira). The judge also ordered that upon completion of their sentences, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, should ensure that they are repatriated to their country of origin within seven days.

SWAN Congratulates Customs CG Bashir Adeniyi on Historic Election as WCO Chairperson

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has extended its heartfelt congratulations to the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on his landmark election as Chairperson of the Council of the World Customs Organisation (WCO). In a formal letter dated June 30, 2025 and signed by SWAN Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, the association led by Mr. Isaiah Benjamin described Mr. Adeniyi’s victory in Brussels as a defining achievement that reflects his dedication, passion, and exemplary professional attributes. SWAN noted that his leadership has driven the rapid growth and enhanced global standing of the Nigeria Customs Service. “This historic feat, which makes you the first Nigerian to lead the 73-year-old WCO with its 186 member countries, is a testament to your competence and integrity,” part of the letter reads. “Your emergence as Chairperson of the highest decision-making body in global customs administration underscores the confidence that nations across the world have in your ability to lead.” SWAN further commended Mr. Adeniyi for demonstrating remarkable competence within a short period as Comptroller-General, stating that his global impact and visionary leadership earned him the trust of countries that endorsed his candidacy for this critical role. The association expressed optimism that Mr. Adeniyi will continue to set new benchmarks in leadership, while assuring him of SWAN’s readiness to collaborate with him in leveraging sports as a platform to connect with the broader Nigerian populace. “As Sports Journalists, we trust you will continue to blaze the trail in your professional practice as a pointer for greater achievements ahead. “We assure you of our readiness to continuously work with you, even as you use Sports as a platform to connect with larger Nigeria populace. “Congratulations once again. We wish you a tenure as WCO Chairperson that will be as remarkable and inspiring as your distinguished record of service in every sphere you have impacted,” the letter also said. The NCS recently hosted African Women’s Club Volleyball Championship, adjudged to be one of the well-organised competitions.

Nigeria’s FDI Trends Since 1999: From Obasanjo’s Boom to Buhari’s Decline and Tinubu’s Uncertain Recovery

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago01 mins

Arsenal Submits Bid for Chelsea’s Madueke

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

Arsenal has reportedly submitted a bid for Chelsea winger Noni Madueke this week in may be one of the biggest deals for the summer. Talks are said to have started and the England forward who Arsenal boss sees as the perfect player to bolster his attack ahead of the new campaign. Arsenal could certainly do with more options in attack and may use Madueke to replace Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard who were lacklustre last season. Now, according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg the Gunners have made an offer to their London rivals as talks begin for the 23-year-old. “Understand Arsenal have already submitted an offer to Noni #Madueke. 23 y/o winger could leave Chelsea in the summer. Talks have started. #CFC “Madueke is one of several top profiles Arsenal are assessing for this position. Arsenal are still considering a transfer for Rodrygo should he wish to leave Real Madrid.” The Blues are due to sign Joao Pedro from Brighton, Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund and have already secured Liam Delap from Ipswich Town as manager Enzo Maresca reshapes his attack. Arsenal will see this as an opportunity to snap up Madueke who likely won’t be in Maresca’s plans heading into the new season. Despite this, the Italian boss has already stated his desire to keep Madueke at the club but a high bid could swiftly change his mind. “Noni is our player, you can read a lot of speculation at the moment but we consider Noni our player for the coming season,” Maresca said last month.

My Los Angeles 2028 Olympics Dream Is Still on Track, Says Inkosi Brou

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago04 mins

Despite exiting in the knockout stage of the individual men’s sabre event at the 23rd African Fencing Championships, Nigeria’s fencing sensation Inkosi Brou remains confident that his dream of qualifying for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games is still alive. Brou, Nigeria’s highest-ranked fencer at both junior and senior levels, showcased his talent at the continental tournament, which concluded over the weekend in Lagos. He advanced from the group stage, competing against a field of seasoned athletes. In the preliminary round, Brou defeated Guinea’s Conte Aboubacar 5-0 in his opening bout and overcame Algeria’s Akram Bounabi 5-3. He then lost 0-5 to Egypt’s Ziad Elsissy, bounced back with a 5-1 win over Niger Republic’s Ali Djibo, and concluded the group stage with a 0-5 loss to African champion Ahmed Ferjani of Tunisia. Despite the mixed results, Brou finished among the top three in his group of six, securing a spot in the knockout stage. In the first-round bout, Brou took an early lead against fifth seed Evann Girault of Niger Republic. However, a tactical error allowed his opponent to stage a comeback and win the closely contested match 15-11. Though disappointed with the outcome, the bronze medallist at the 2025 African Junior Championships remains undeterred in his Olympic pursuit. “I believe my 2028 Olympic dream is still intact. It’s a step-by-step journey, and I just need to stay consistent,” he said. Brou, the grandson of the late NAFDAC Director-General Prof. Dora Akunyili, described the recently concluded African Fencing Championships in Lagos as a positive development for the sport. He expressed hope that more events would be organized to raise awareness and participation among young Nigerians. “Hosting the continental tournament means a lot for fencing. It was well-organized and proved that Nigeria is capable of hosting more international fencing events,” he added. Acknowledging the challenges of competing in multiple international events, Brou—who made history as the first Nigerian fencer to win a medal at an international tournament—said: “Travelling and competing at this level is tough, especially with my Olympic aspirations. But with the support of my parents and coaches, I’m managing well. Hopefully, it will all pay off with a ticket to the 2028 Olympics.” He also acknowledged the enduring legacy of his grandmother: “Yes, my grandmother’s influence has opened doors for me. What she achieved continues to inspire and guide us. We’re trying to follow the path she laid down.”