This shift in tone from Trump is pretty telling—it’s less about backing down and more about recalibrating the message as the economic and political costs of his trade and monetary strategies start to show.

Here’s what stands out:

1. Trump softening on Powell:
After weeks of berating Jerome Powell—calling him a “major loser” and reportedly even exploring ways to fire him—Trump now says he has “no intention” of removing him. That’s a significant pivot. He’s still nudging Powell to lower interest rates, but backing off the personal attacks probably signals concern over the market’s reaction and possibly internal pushback from advisors.

2. Trade war fatigue?
Trump’s comment that tariffs on China “won’t be zero” but “will come down substantially” feels like the opening note of a de-escalation phase. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s remarks that the trade war is “unsustainable” support that. Behind the bravado, there seems to be a growing recognition in the administration that tariffs are hurting both the U.S. economy and the political optics heading into an election cycle.

3. Global markets responding well—for now:
Markets are clearly watching this closely. The rebound in major indices (Nikkei, Hang Seng, S&P 500, Nasdaq) after these comments reflects relief that things might cool down. But investor optimism is fragile, and one sharp tweet or tariff announcement can reverse it quickly—something we’ve seen repeatedly during Trump’s presidency.

4. IMF warning and inflation concerns:
The IMF’s downgrade of U.S. growth is a big deal. Combined with investor fears that rate cuts during a tariff-fueled inflation spike could overheat prices, you’ve got a serious economic balancing act. Trump wants both growth and inflation control, but his policies are pulling in opposite directions.

5. China’s still quiet—officially:
Beijing hasn’t formally responded, but the Global Times (a reliable window into China’s strategic messaging) is already spinning Trump’s softer tone as a sign the U.S. is flinching. That’s likely to be used in domestic Chinese propaganda to show strength—but don’t expect China to make major concessions easily. They’ll want more than just lower tariffs on the table.

Trump’s economic playbook has always hinged on maximum pressure, minimal compromise, and market theatrics. But now that it’s clashing with inflation risks, slower growth, and resistance from both allies and adversaries, it looks like some recalibration is underway.

What’s your take—do you think this marks a genuine shift in Trump’s approach to the economy, or is it just another strategic pause before the next big escalation?

This is a pivotal—and extremely tense—moment in the Ukraine conflict. The shift in U.S. tone, especially with Vice President JD Vance openly warning that America might walk away from the negotiation process, suggests a significant recalibration in U.S. strategy. It’s not just rhetoric; it’s pressure. And it’s aimed at both Kyiv and Moscow to get serious about the terms on the table.

That pressure is made more complex by the fact that major players like Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff bailed on the London talks at the last minute. It raises the question: Did the U.S. anticipate rejection of its latest proposal and decide to refocus efforts elsewhere—like in Moscow, where Witkoff is due to meet Putin for a fourth time?

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s stance remains unyielding. Zelensky has been crystal clear: no recognition of Crimea as Russian. That’s a non-starter for Kyiv, and not just politically—it’s a core issue of sovereignty, international law, and justice after Russia’s 2014 annexation. The idea that the U.S. might be testing the waters on offering Crimea as a concession has sparked backlash, and rightfully so. It’s not just Ukraine’s red line—it’s a legal and moral one in the eyes of much of the international community.

The idea that Russia might be willing to freeze the conflict along current lines also speaks volumes. They’ve likely calculated that any further advances would come at too high a cost, and that holding what they currently occupy could be spun domestically as a “win.” But for Ukraine, accepting that would mean legitimizing occupation and displacement.

And the broader diplomatic scene feels murky. You’ve got canceled high-level meetings, postponed public-facing talks, secret proposals, and increasing signs of diplomatic fatigue from the U.S. and its allies—all while Russia intensifies drone strikes and targets civilian infrastructure, killing innocents like those in Marhanets.

It feels like the conflict is teetering on the edge of either a breakthrough or a dangerous stall. What’s your take—do you think the U.S. is genuinely considering pulling out of the mediation process? Or is this just part of the diplomatic pressure playbook?

That’s a wild development—OpenAI showing interest in buying Chrome? That would’ve sounded like sci-fi a couple of years ago.

The idea that Google might be forced to sell off Chrome—a product that controls around two-thirds of the browser market—is massive. It really shows how serious the U.S. government is getting about reining in Big Tech. And OpenAI, of all companies, stepping up as a potential buyer? That signals a real shift in the tech power landscape.

What makes this even juicier is the backstory: OpenAI reportedly tried to partner with Google for search integration into ChatGPT and got turned down. Now, with Microsoft in its corner and Bing already in the mix, OpenAI’s positioning itself to possibly go even deeper into the search/browser game. Owning Chrome would be a huge leap toward that.

But let’s be real—Google selling Chrome is a long shot unless it’s legally forced to. And even then, the idea of a browser at the heart of people’s online experience suddenly belonging to OpenAI (which is already under scrutiny for its rapid influence) raises all kinds of regulatory and ethical questions.

And that side-note about OpenAI exploring a social media platform to rival X? Feels like the AI wars are expanding into every digital front—search, chat, social, maybe even browser wars 2.0.

Do you think it would be a good move for OpenAI to own Chrome? Or does that kind of consolidation feel like swapping one tech giant for another?

The drone strike on a civilian bus carrying workers in Marhanets—killing nine and injuring at least 30—underscores how brutal and indiscriminate the violence in Ukraine continues to be. Targeting transport like that, especially in a non-military zone, really highlights how civilians are still bearing the brunt of this conflict.

It’s especially striking that this happened during supposed ceasefire talks, even with the Easter truce announcement. The fact that those talks have been downgraded—with top U.S. officials like Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff pulling out—might signal some cracks or a shift in momentum behind the scenes.

Also, the potential U.S. proposal to recognize Crimea as Russian territory as a peace condition? That’s a massive red line for Ukraine, and understandably so. For Zelenskyy to agree to that would essentially legitimize the 2014 annexation—a move most of the international community has consistently rejected.

And then there’s Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff—more known in real estate than diplomacy—acting as a backchannel with Putin. The whole situation feels like it’s moving into a murky, high-stakes phase with less public clarity and more behind-the-scenes maneuvering.

Are you following the conflict closely, or did this particular attack stand out to you more than others?

This response from the Senate shows a desire to set boundaries on public discourse, particularly from influential figures like Pastor Tunde Bakare, who straddles both spiritual and political realms. His labeling of the 10th National Assembly as a “rubber stamp” clearly struck a nerve.

Here are a few key takeaways from the Senate’s response:

1. Acknowledgment of Bakare’s Influence: They’re not dismissing his importance outright—they recognize his historical impact on public discourse and even political engagement. But they also frame his criticisms as potentially politically motivated.
2. Defensiveness Mixed with Openness: While they push back strongly against the “rubber stamp” label, they try to present themselves as open to “constructive engagement”—a classic balancing act in political communication.
3. Institutional Legitimacy vs. Personal Commentary: The Senate is asserting its legitimacy and attempting to discredit Bakare’s comments as subjective, possibly opportunistic, and lacking in evidence.
4. Historical Comparison: They counter Bakare’s critique with examples of where the current Assembly has shown independence—such as rejecting certain Executive propositions—to challenge the narrative of subservience.
5. Call for Responsible Speech: Perhaps the strongest thread in the statement is the appeal for public figures to speak responsibly, especially when their words can influence public trust and perception.

What’s your take on this? Do you think Bakare’s comments were out of line, or is this kind of criticism essential in holding political institutions accountable?

Wang Yi’s recent calls to Britain and the European Union reflect China’s ongoing effort to counter the economic and trade pressure it faces from the United States, especially regarding the escalating tariff war. Here are the key points from these developments:

China’s Response to US Tariffs

• Rising Tensions: The trade war between China and the US continues to escalate, with the US imposing tariffs up to 145% on Chinese goods, prompting retaliatory measures from Beijing with 125% duties on US imports.
• Wang Yi’s Position: In his phone calls with British and EU officials, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi framed the US tariff measures as a violation of World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, accusing the US of using tariffs as a “weapon” against other nations.

Appeal for Multilateral Support

• UK and EU’s Role: Wang emphasized that China and Britain, along with the EU, have a shared responsibility to defend multilateral trading systems against what he described as “unilateral bullying” by the US.
• Strategic Cooperation: Wang’s calls signal China’s desire to strengthen relations with Europe and Britain, viewing them as key partners in countering US trade policies. This is especially important as the EU and China have been quietly increasing economic coordination in recent months, including in areas like electric vehicles (EVs) and agriculture.

China-EU Coordination

• Recent Developments: The EU and China have been intensifying their economic dialogues, as seen in the visit of EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic in March. They have also started discussions on issues like EV supply chains and agri-food market access, which could help buffer China’s economic interests amid the trade war.
• Electric Vehicle (EV) Pricing: The EU and China are also revisiting negotiations over minimum pricing for Chinese-made EVs, a direct response to the EU’s tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, which Beijing sees as a significant challenge.

China’s Warning to Global Partners

• Economic Deals with the US: Following these diplomatic efforts, Beijing warned other nations not to strike broader economic deals with the US at China’s expense. It also threatened countermeasures if such actions were taken, signaling China’s intent to protect its economic interests through strategic diplomatic channels.

China’s push for multilateralism and its efforts to rally support from the UK and the EU seem aimed at isolating the US in its approach to global trade. By presenting the US as a destabilizing force in the global economy, Beijing is attempting to garner broader international support for its stance, particularly in trade negotiations that affect the global supply chain.

Would you like further insights on the global economic impact of this trade war, or a breakdown of how China’s relationship with the EU might evolve over the coming months?

The proposed new formula for ending the war in Gaza, mediated by Qatar and Egypt, suggests a truce lasting between five and seven years, with a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. However, this plan comes amid intense ongoing violence, with Israeli air strikes continuing to target Gaza, and discussions taking place in Cairo between Hamas and Egyptian mediators.

The situation remains highly fluid, with both sides blaming each other for the failure of previous ceasefire attempts, and no official comments yet from Israel on the latest mediation proposal. The main challenge lies in the stark differences between the positions of Israel and Hamas, especially concerning the terms for a ceasefire and the future governance of Gaza.

Would you like more details on the specific proposals being discussed in Cairo or an analysis of the positions of the different parties involved?

Pope Francis’s funeral is scheduled for Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM local time (08:00 GMT) in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City. The ceremony will be presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals, and is expected to draw significant international attention.

📅 Public Viewing Schedule

Pope Francis’s body will lie in state for public viewing at St. Peter’s Basilica during the following hours:

• Wednesday, April 23: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
• Thursday, April 24: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM
• Friday, April 25: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

The public viewing will commence after a prayer service led by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the acting camerlengo, at 9:00 AM on Wednesday. His body will be transferred from the Casa Santa Marta residence to the basilica in a procession starting at 9:00 AM local time.

 Burial Details

After the funeral Mass, Pope Francis will be buried at Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, marking a departure from the tradition of papal burials at St. Peter’s Basilica. He had expressed a desire to be interred there due to his deep devotion to the Virgin Mary.

Dignitary Attendance

Notable figures expected to attend include U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced he will not attend.

 Funeral Rites

The funeral Mass will follow the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis and conclude with the Ultima Commendatio and Valedictio, initiating a nine-day period of mourning known as the Novendiali.

The Israeli drone strike that reportedly killed Hussein Atawi in Beirut marks a significant escalation, especially considering it took place in the heart of the Lebanese capital. Striking a senior figure of Jama’a Islamiya—particularly one linked to its Fajr Forces—suggests Israel sees the group as an ongoing security threat even after last year’s ceasefire.

For context, Jama’a Islamiya is a Sunni Islamist group in Lebanon with historical ties to the Muslim Brotherhood. While it has a political wing, its armed wing—the Fajr Forces—has been involved in cross-border attacks against Israel, especially during past conflicts. The group is not officially designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, or the United Nations, but it is viewed by Israel as a hostile militant group.

This strike also points to how volatile the post-ceasefire period remains, especially with Israeli operations continuing beyond Hezbollah targets to include other Islamist factions like Jama’a Islamiya. Beirut being hit directly is a big deal—it’s likely to increase tensions significantly.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Christian community in the 19 northern states and Abuja are united in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, who died on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 following a prolonged battle with double pneumonia citeturn0news12.

Rev. John Hayab, CAN Chairman for Northern Nigeria, expressed deep sorrow, describing the Pope as a symbol of hope, peace, and compassion in an increasingly divided world. He highlighted Pope Francis’s efforts to promote interfaith harmony and his advocacy for the marginalized, the environment, and social justice citeturn0news12.

The Roman Catholic Church has played a significant role in the spiritual and social life of many communities in Nigeria. Pope Francis’s influence extended deeply into local parishes, missions, and schools, touching countless lives through his encouragement of service, dialogue, and faith in action citeturn0news12.

In his statement, Rev. Hayab emphasized that this moment of mourning is also an opportunity for reflection and celebration of Pope Francis’s tireless efforts to foster unity among Christian denominations and different faiths.

President Bola Tinubu also expressed condolences, praising the late Pope for challenging the powerful to act with justice, calling nations to welcome the stranger, and reminding humanity to protect the Earth for future generations citeturn0search0.

As the world mourns, the legacy of Pope Francis continues to inspire Christians globally, including those in Nigeria, to live out the values of compassion, justice, and unity.

The U.S. military is preparing to reduce its presence in Syria by about half, according to Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell. Currently, there are around 2,000 American troops in the country, primarily stationed in northeastern Syria. These forces are collaborating with local partners to prevent the reemergence of ISIS, which had previously captured large territories in Iraq and Syria in 2014 before being largely defeated.

The drawdown will occur through a “deliberate and conditions-based process,” aiming to reduce the troop count to fewer than 1,000 in the coming months. This restructuring will be executed under the guidance of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and led by the Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve, focusing on select strategic locations.

Despite the reduction, U.S. Central Command will continue to conduct operations against remnants of ISIS and maintain readiness to respond to terrorist threats in the region. The move also comes amid broader U.S. military deployments to the Middle East, including bombers and air defense assets, amidst ongoing tensions with Iran.

Would you like more context on the regional dynamics or the status of ISIS in Syria?

A presenter at Orisun FM (OSBC’s station in Ile-Ife) aired a five-minute segment promoting CBEX Trading Exchange Global — a now-defunct fraudulent investment scheme.

The broadcast was unauthorised, and the presenter acted independently, without approval from OSBC’s editorial board.

Disciplinary action has been taken against the presenter.

An internal investigation was launched and confirmed the act was not sanctioned by OSBC.

The corporation emphasized its commitment to ethical journalism, credibility, and public trust.

OSBC explicitly stated it had no ties—commercial or otherwise—with CBEX.

OSBC used this incident to warn the public about fraudulent investment schemes, especially during tough economic times.

They reminded audiences that fraud tactics keep evolving, and both media houses and the public must remain vigilant.

The EFCC is now investigating the CBEX scheme.

They noted that public warnings had already been issued before CBEX collapsed, though many people still fell victim.

This isn’t just about one rogue presenter—it’s a cautionary tale about how misinformation, even for a few minutes, can have real-world consequences. Trust in the media depends on vigilance, both internally and from the audience.

This outbreak is pretty serious—Colombia declaring both a health and economic emergency signals how dire the situation is becoming. Yellow fever has always been a lurking danger in some parts of South America, but this spike, especially with a 50% mortality rate among confirmed cases, is alarming

74 confirmed cases, with 34 deaths since the beginning of 2025.

Tolima, part of Colombia’s coffee region, is the hardest-hit.

The virus is spreading to previously low-risk or unaffected regions, likely driven by climate change, which is expanding mosquito habitats.

The Colombian government is requiring proof of vaccination for travelers entering or leaving the country.

U.S. CDC has upgraded its travel alert to Level 2 for parts of South America, urging travelers to get vaccinated.

What You Should Know or Do (Especially If Traveling):

• Vaccination is key: One yellow fever shot typically offers lifetime protection, but booster shots may be considered.
• Avoid high-risk areas if you’re unvaccinated, particularly rural or forested zones in Colombia like Tolima.
• Mosquito precautions are crucial—repellent, long sleeves, sleeping under nets, and avoiding peak mosquito hours (dusk/dawn).
• Watch for symptoms if you’re in or have been to affected regions: sudden fever, chills, back pain, nausea, and jaundice (in severe cases).

Would you like help finding travel updates, vaccination sites, or what the yellow fever situation looks like in neighboring countries?