Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada banned fibre optic internet across Balkh province to “prevent immorality,” officials confirmed Tuesday. Government offices, businesses, schools, and homes lost Wi-Fi, though mobile data remains functional. Authorities promised to build an alternative network to cover essential services within Afghanistan. Residents Face Work and Connectivity Challenges One resident reported losing home internet days earlier. His provider initially claimed a technical problem that would resolve soon. He said fast internet is crucial for communicating with clients and companies outside Afghanistan and may move provinces to maintain his work. First Restriction of Its Kind Authorities imposed this ban for…
Author: Rachel Maddow
Investors rushed to buy Alphabet shares after a US judge blocked a forced Chrome sale. The ruling ended a five-year antitrust battle and protected Google’s core businesses. Shares climbed more than 4% Monday in Europe, extending gains over 30% since January. Alphabet now joins the elite $3 trillion club alongside Nvidia, Microsoft, and Apple. Nvidia leads at $4.2 trillion (€3.57tr), Microsoft follows at $3.8 trillion (€3.23tr), and Apple ranks at $3.5 trillion (€3tr). Judge Allows Google to Keep Core Assets The Department of Justice had demanded Alphabet sell Chrome and possibly Android due to competition concerns. Google’s search division generates…
VIENNA/KYIV — Europe often prides itself on being a refuge for those persecuted under authoritarian regimes. The promise is clear: dissidents, whistleblowers and political opponents should find safety in the West. But the reality is far more complicated. Across the continent, refugees describe political prosecutions, threats, and harassment that follow them even into exile. It is a quiet conflict that unfolds away from front pages — a campaign waged against those who challenge entrenched power. The accusations are familiar: embezzlement, money laundering, abuse of office. Allegations that sound grave, but under scrutiny often collapse. The Case of Kyrylo Shevchenko Few…
Danish researchers analyzed data from over 77,000 adults using anti-obesity medications without diabetes. They found that 52 percent quit within 12 months. Eighteen percent stopped within three months, 31 percent by six months, and 42 percent by nine months. Younger, Male, and Low-Income Patients Quit More Adults under 30 quit 48 percent more than those aged 45 to 59. Residents of low-income areas stopped 14 percent more often than wealthier individuals. Men discontinued treatment more frequently than women. Researchers also noted that patients with chronic health conditions or prior psychiatric or gastrointestinal medications had higher dropout rates, likely due to…
The United Nations General Assembly approved a resolution supporting Palestinian independence and a two-state solution. The measure condemns Hamas’s October 7 attack on southern Israel and Israel’s siege of Gaza, which caused a humanitarian crisis. Strong Majority Votes in Favor Out of 193 member states, 142 countries approved the New York Declaration, 10 opposed, and 12 abstained. France and Saudi Arabia introduced the resolution, envisioning the Palestinian Authority controlling all Palestinian territories. It calls for a transitional administrative committee immediately after a ceasefire in Gaza. Demands for Disarmament and Hostage Release The declaration orders Hamas to end its rule, surrender…
MSNBC, long known as a major cable news outlet, is rebranding itself as MS Now, reflecting a broader strategy to integrate news reporting with opinion content and global coverage. The move marks a significant shift in the network’s identity and aims to appeal to audiences seeking a dynamic, multifaceted news experience. The rebrand emphasizes that MSNBC rebrand news is not merely a cosmetic change but represents a reimagining of programming, content delivery, and audience engagement. According to insiders, the new format will blend traditional reporting with commentary and analysis, allowing viewers to access context, perspective, and breaking updates all in…
A recent report has highlighted a concerning trend in student academic performance, revealing that test scores have reached historic lows across the United States. The data indicates significant declines in proficiency levels, particularly in reading and math, among students in various grade levels. The report, based on assessments administered in early 2024, shows that only 35% of high school seniors are proficient in reading, the lowest since 1992. In math, only 22% of seniors demonstrated proficiency, marking the lowest level since testing began in 2005. These figures represent a troubling trend, with nearly half of seniors now scoring below the…
Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot during a public speaking event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. The tragic incident has left the campus and political community in shock, prompting heightened discussions about political violence and safety for public figures. The shooting occurred around midday during a Q&A session attended by thousands of students, staff, and guests. Kirk was struck by a bullet, causing immediate collapse. Emergency responders rushed him to a nearby hospital, but he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Authorities believe the gunman fired from a nearby…
A tragic shooting at a Utah college has left student Charlie Kirk dead, authorities confirmed. The incident, which occurred on campus late Monday afternoon, has sent shockwaves through the community and sparked an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal event. Local law enforcement reported that emergency services were called to the scene after campus security discovered the victim with gunshot wounds. Despite immediate medical attention, Charlie Kirk was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. Investigators have not released details regarding a possible suspect but confirmed that the case remains under active investigation. The Charlie Kirk shooting Utah has…
Prince Harry made an unannounced trip to Ukraine this week, visiting servicemen wounded in the ongoing war with Russia. The Duke of Sussex, who has long championed causes linked to veterans and mental health, met with soldiers undergoing treatment at a rehabilitation facility in Kyiv. His visit underscored the importance of global solidarity at a time when Ukraine continues to face intense military and humanitarian challenges. The surprise appearance was confirmed by Ukrainian officials, who welcomed Harry’s decision to travel to the region. During his visit, the prince listened to personal accounts from servicemen recovering from life-altering injuries. He also…