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Trump Orders Nuclear Submarines Closer to Russia Amid Escalating Tensions with Medvedev

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago05 mins

United States President Donald Trump has ordered the deployment of two nuclear submarines closer to Russian territory, marking a significant escalation in his ongoing war of words with Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev. In a post on his platform, Truth Social, Trump said the move was a direct response to what he described as “highly provocative statements” made by Medvedev earlier in the week, including warnings about Russia’s Cold War-era nuclear weapons system, commonly referred to as the “Dead Hand.” “I have ordered two nuclear submarines to be positioned in the appropriate regions, just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that,” Trump wrote. “Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences. I hope this will not be one of those instances.” This latest exchange follows a string of increasingly hostile remarks between both leaders in recent months. Medvedev, once Russia’s president and now a key Putin ally, has used social media to taunt Trump, while Trump has publicly lambasted Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and openly criticized Medvedev’s rhetoric. Earlier this week, Trump dismissed concerns over India-Russia trade relations, instead taking aim at Medvedev: “Russia and the USA do almost no business together. Let’s keep it that way, and tell Medvedev, the failed former President of Russia, who thinks he’s still President, to watch his words. He’s entering very dangerous territory!” Medvedev responded sarcastically on Telegram, invoking Trump’s apparent love for “The Walking Dead” and mocking the U.S. leader’s warnings. “If some words from the former president of Russia trigger such a nervous reaction from the high-and-mighty president of the United States, then Russia is doing everything right,” Medvedev wrote.“And as for ‘dead economies’ and ‘dangerous territory’ — well, let Trump remember his favourite films about the ‘Walking Dead.’” Rising Nuclear Rhetoric This isn’t the first time the two have exchanged nuclear threats. Back in June, Trump accused Medvedev of casually referencing nuclear weapons and offering warheads to Iran. He responded by highlighting America’s powerful nuclear submarine fleet, calling them “the most powerful and lethal weapons ever built.” The confrontation adds to concerns over global stability as nuclear rhetoric intensifies from both sides. Frustrations Over Ukraine The clash also reflects Trump’s growing frustration with the stalled efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war, which has dragged on since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Despite entering his second term promising to be a “global peacemaker,” Trump has faced criticism for appearing to favor concessions to Russia in earlier negotiations. In recent weeks, however, he has adopted a tougher stance—imposing deadlines on Moscow and warning of severe economic sanctions. “Russia — I think it’s disgusting what they’re doing,” Trump said on Thursday, following fresh Russian shelling of Kyiv. Medvedev has dismissed Trump’s threats as “theatrical,” warning that his confrontational approach risks triggering a wider conflict—possibly involving the U.S. “Each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war. Not between Russia and Ukraine, but with his own country,” Medvedev said. As tensions rise and military assets are repositioned, the world watches closely, with fears of further escalation between the world’s leading nuclear powers. Source: By Al Jazeera

Trump Gives Russia 10–12 Days to End Ukraine War: “No Reason in Waiting”

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

Turnberry, Scotland — July 28, 2025U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a sharp new ultimatum to Russian President Vladimir Putin, demanding an end to the ongoing war in Ukraine within 10 to 12 days — significantly reducing the 50-day deadline he initially set earlier this month. Speaking during a press conference alongside UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump expressed frustration with Russia’s continued military offensive in Ukraine and signaled growing impatience with the lack of progress toward a ceasefire. “I’m going to make a new deadline of about … 10 or 12 days from today,” Trump said. “There’s no reason in waiting. We just don’t see any progress being made.” The Kremlin has yet to issue a formal response. Trump’s warning comes as Moscow intensifies airstrikes across Ukraine, despite several diplomatic overtures from the U.S. and its European allies. A recent ceasefire deal remains in limbo, with Russian forces reportedly escalating attacks in key areas including Kyiv and eastern border regions. The U.S. president, who returned to office this year with a promise to end the conflict within 24 hours, continues to present himself as a peacemaker, but has faced criticism for his mixed signals. Though he has repeatedly threatened sanctions and tariffs on Russia and countries buying Russian exports, his administration has been cautious in implementing such measures. “I don’t want to do that to Russia. I love the Russian people,” Trump said Monday.“But if you know what the answer is going to be, why wait?” Trump also expressed disappointment with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whom he accused of stalling peace efforts. He referenced past conversations with Putin, saying: “We thought we had that settled numerous times, and then President Putin goes out and starts launching rockets into some city like Kyiv and kills a lot of people in a nursing home or whatever. And I say that’s not the way to do it.” With tensions rising and the international community watching closely, the next 10 days could prove critical for diplomatic relations — and for Ukraine’s war-ravaged future.

American Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 Catches Fire During Takeoff All 179 Onboard Evacuate Safely

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

A potential tragedy was narrowly avoided on Saturday afternoon after an American Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 caught fire during takeoff at Denver International Airport, prompting an emergency evacuation of all 179 people on board. According to local NBC affiliate 9News, air traffic controllers urgently warned the pilots of Flight 3023: “You got a lot of smoke. You are actually on fire.” The aircraft, carrying 173 passengers and six crew members, was en route to Miami International Airport when it suffered a mechanical failure involving its tires at approximately 2:45 p.m. local time. Dramatic video shared on social media showed flames and thick black smoke billowing from the rear landing gear as passengers escaped via the front emergency slide. “All customers and crew deplaned safely,” said an American Airlines spokesperson in a statement to The Daily Beast. “The aircraft was taken out of service to be inspected by our maintenance team.” One passenger was transported to a nearby hospital with minor injuries, while others were treated on-site for smoke exposure and anxiety. “We thank our team members for their professionalism and apologize to our customers for their experience,” the spokesperson added. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the incident, and operations at Denver International Airport briefly halted before resuming normal activity. This latest incident adds to the growing scrutiny of the Boeing 737 MAX series, which has been under global regulatory watch following previous safety concerns. More details are expected following the FAA’s preliminary report.

Israeli Forces Intercept Gaza-Bound Ship Handala as Strikes Kill 71 in a Day

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

By Kamal Yalwa | July 27, 2025 Gaza Strip – The Israeli military has intercepted and surrounded the Handala, a humanitarian aid ship en route to Gaza in an effort to break Israel’s blockade of the besieged enclave. The move comes as Israeli airstrikes intensified across Gaza, killing at least 71 Palestinians since dawn on Saturday—including 42 civilians reportedly attempting to access humanitarian aid. Among those on board the Handala is a former member of the European Parliament from France, who confirmed via satellite link that the vessel had been blocked in international waters by Israeli naval forces. The ship, bearing Palestinian flags and a banner reading “Handala”, had attracted global attention for its symbolic and direct challenge to Israel’s restrictions on humanitarian access to Gaza. Organizers said it was carrying medical supplies, food, and basic necessities intended for civilians suffering under what many international observers describe as a “man-made famine.” Meanwhile, humanitarian agencies continue to push back against Israeli claims that aid is being distributed effectively. The United Nations and other relief groups argue that access restrictions, targeted strikes near aid centers, and red tape are preventing life-saving supplies from reaching those in desperate need. “This is not a logistics failure—it’s a deliberate policy choice,” said one UN official who requested anonymity for security reasons. The rising death toll on Saturday follows weeks of escalating violence and worsening humanitarian conditions. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, over 200,000 people have been killed or wounded since the beginning of the conflict, with food insecurity now reaching catastrophic levels. Despite mounting international pressure and growing outrage over civilian casualties, Israel continues to defend its operations, citing ongoing security threats from Hamas and other armed groups. As of Saturday evening, the fate of the Handala and its crew remains uncertain.

Horrors Upon Horrors: US Congress Reacts to Mounting Hunger Crisis in Gaza

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

By Kamal Yalwa | July 27, 2025 Images of starving children emerging from Gaza are beginning to stir discomfort—and in some cases, condemnation—among members of the United States Congress, as the humanitarian catastrophe in the Palestinian enclave worsens under Israel’s ongoing blockade. While a growing number of Democratic lawmakers have issued urgent appeals for humanitarian access to the territory, few have directly held Israel accountable for the deepening crisis, despite widespread international criticism of the siege. In a rare and scathing rebuke, Senator Bernie Sanders described Israel’s actions as part of a broader campaign of ethnic cleansing, saying on Friday, “Having already killed or wounded 200,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, the extremist Israeli government is using mass starvation to engineer the ethnic cleansing of Gaza.” He further accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government of pursuing an “extermination campaign.” Sanders’ statement came as outrage builds over the controversial GHF food distribution mechanism—backed by the US and Israel—which has reportedly led to the deaths of over 1,000 Palestinians attempting to access aid. Despite this, most members of Congress have stopped short of attributing blame. Many have instead opted for generalized calls for aid to enter Gaza, avoiding criticism of Israeli policies directly responsible for restricting access. The lack of accountability is striking given that the United States continues to supply military support to Israel. Just last week, the House of Representatives passed a bill approving $500 million in missile defense funding for Israel, reinforcing the strong bipartisan support the country has long enjoyed on Capitol Hill. Meanwhile, humanitarian agencies and rights groups continue to sound the alarm, calling the situation in Gaza “man-made” and demanding immediate political intervention to lift the siege and allow aid to flow freely. As the death toll rises and hunger escalates, pressure is mounting on Washington to not only speak out—but to act.

US Issues Fresh Travel Advisory Warning Against Travel to Nigeria

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

The United States government has issued a new travel advisory cautioning its citizens against travelling to Nigeria due to a combination of security threats and inadequate healthcare services. The advisory, released as part of the US security review for Africa, cited kidnapping, terrorism, armed gangs, and violent crime as major risks. It also flagged the poor availability of healthcare services and warned travellers to make provisions for all necessary medications and emergency care before visiting. Nigeria was listed alongside 11 other high-risk African countries, including Somalia, Libya, Burkina Faso, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Burundi, Mauritania, Guinea-Bissau, Niger, and Chad. The US State Department categorised Nigeria under Level 3: “Reconsider Travel”, with 18 states placed under Level 4: “Do Not Travel”. These include: The US Mission in Nigeria highlighted the prevalence of violent crimes such as armed robbery, assault, carjacking, roadside banditry, and kidnappings for ransom, warning that terrorists may strike with little or no notice at public places, hotels, markets, and transportation hubs. Additionally, the advisory underscored Nigeria’s high malaria risk, unreliable healthcare services, lack of emergency response infrastructure, and counterfeit pharmaceuticals, urging travellers to secure comprehensive travel and medical evacuation insurance.

Nigerian Man Loses Fingers to Frostbite While Fleeing US Deportation to Canada

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

Chidi Nwagbo, a 57-year-old Nigerian man facing deportation from the United States, has recounted how he lost several fingers to frostbite while attempting to cross into Canada with the help of human smugglers. Nwagbo, who has lived in the US since 1988, said he felt compelled to flee after Donald Trump’s re-election in November. In February, he paid $2,000 to smugglers in New Jersey, who promised him safe passage to Canada through the snowy borderlands between New York and Quebec. The journey, however, turned into a life-threatening ordeal. Nwagbo and other migrants, including women and a baby, were forced to trek through deep snow in freezing temperatures as low as -28°C. He lost his gloves along the way, and frostbite later led to the amputation of multiple fingers. “It was supposed to be a 30 to 40 minutes walk. These people (smugglers) kept calling, saying, ‘Just keep going, you only have 10 minutes,’” Nwagbo recalled. Nwagbo and 98 other migrants were eventually intercepted by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police at the Quebec-US border. He now regrets his decision, warning others against using smugglers: “Don’t do it. Smugglers only care about money. They don’t care about your safety.”

It’s a War: Volunteers Lead Resistance as Trump’s Deportation Raids Intensify Across LA

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago06 mins

As immigration raids sweep across Los Angeles under orders from former President Donald Trump, a network of volunteer-led resistance groups is rising up to protect undocumented communities from what they call “warfare in the streets.” At 5:30 a.m. in South Central LA, a group of volunteers from Union del Barrio gather in a laundromat parking lot. Armed not with weapons, but with walkie-talkies, megaphones, and leaflets, their mission is to patrol immigrant-dense neighborhoods and warn residents about imminent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. “This is like Vietnam,” says Ron, a high school history teacher and activist. “We’re taking losses, but in the end we’re going to win. It’s a war.” The group is led by Francisco “Chavo” Romero, who each morning rallies volunteers before dispatching them into the field. On this particular morning, the streets seem calm, but elsewhere in Los Angeles, ICE agents are already conducting dawn raids. ICE Arrests Surge, Communities in Fear Since the beginning of June, more than 2,800 undocumented immigrants have been arrested in Los Angeles alone, according to the Department of Homeland Security—a dramatic spike from the 850 arrests recorded in May. The raids have prompted chaos, street protests, and rising fear in immigrant communities. Videos of ICE agents tackling individuals at car washes, construction sites, and outside homes have gone viral, fueling public outrage. In Pomona, a Latino neighborhood east of LA, Maria recounts how her husband Javier, who has lived in the U.S. for nearly 40 years, was arrested at work by masked ICE agents. “I know they’re doing their job,” Maria says tearfully, “but they don’t have to do it like that—pushing people down like they’re animals.” Javier is now being held in a detention center two hours away. Their grandchildren, especially the eldest, are asking when “papa” is coming home. “I don’t know what to tell him,” Maria says. “He’s not a criminal.” Volunteers Counter ICE Tactics Union del Barrio’s resistance effort includes identifying suspicious vehicles—like white SUVs with tinted windows—suspected of being used by ICE for surveillance. Volunteers distribute flyers with legal advice and encourage people not to open their doors without a warrant. “People are scared,” says Ron, pointing at a fruit vendor who he says is the typical ICE target: vulnerable and easy to detain. Businesses Suffer, Owners Plan to Hide Workers The fear extends to the business community. Soledad, who runs a Mexican restaurant in Hollywood, says half of her undocumented staff are too afraid to show up for work. “I’ve told them: get inside the fridge, hide behind the stove—just don’t run.” Soledad works double shifts to keep her restaurant afloat amid plummeting sales and no way to cover wages. “Sometimes I cry,” she admits. “We’re desperate.” Trump’s Crackdown Fuels Tensions The White House defends the raids as targeting criminals, but activists argue the reality is far more indiscriminate. ICE agents have reportedly faced resistance—including being shot at—making their operations more perilous. Still, Trump has instructed ICE to intensify the crackdown further. Tensions have only escalated with the deployment of National Guard troops, prompting new waves of protests and confrontations on the streets. As deportation numbers climb, so too does the resolve of resistance groups like Union del Barrio. “We’re not backing down,” says Chavo. “We’re organized, we’re ready, and we’re fighting for our communities.”