Trump’s State of the Nation Address: A Defiant Vision Framed by Power, Borders and Economic Nationalism

President Donald Trump’s latest State of the Nation address was less a ceremonial constitutional obligation and more a forceful political manifesto. Delivered with trademark confidence and confrontational clarity, the speech underscored the pillars that have long defined Trump’s political identity: economic nationalism, border security, military strength and an unapologetic assertion of American sovereignty. From the…

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Africa Village Set to Electrify Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games with Culture, Investment and Continental Power

As the Commonwealth Games return to Glasgow in July 2026, a bold new continental showcase is set to capture global attention at Glasgow Green. Africa Village 2026 will transform the historic park into a nine-day celebration of culture, commerce, cuisine, creativity and cross-border investment from 24 July to 1 August. Bringing together 21 African Commonwealth…

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Nigeria to Launch New ‘Cawthorne’ Crude Grade in March as Output Nears 1.7 Million bpd

Nigeria is set to begin exporting a new light, sweet crude grade known as Cawthorne in March, in a move designed to strengthen production capacity and reinforce its position within global oil markets. The announcement was confirmed by a spokesperson for Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), who described the launch as part of a…

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Peter Mandelson released on bail after arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office

The Met Police’s arrest of Lord Mandelson came as part of a criminal investigation over allegations that came to light in the Epstein files Peter Mandelson has been released on bail hours after being arrested in a misconduct investigation stemming from his ties to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein while serving as business secretary. The Metropolitan Police attended the…

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Social homes back on track after £1m investment from Mayor’s housing funds

Work has restarted on a stalled social housing scheme in Walsall after a £1m investment from Mayor Richard Parker’s regional regeneration funds.   The development, on the site of a former ‘eyesore’ scrap yard in Hollyhedge Lane, was halted more than 18 months ago after the constructor ran into financial difficulties, stopped work and entered administration…

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Jewellery Quarter at a Crossroads: Industry Leaders Call for Protection, Skills Revival and Stronger Collaboration

Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter — long celebrated as the beating heart of British jewellery manufacturing — is facing what business leaders describe as a pivotal moment. Meeting at Birmingham City University’s School of Jewellery, a panel of manufacturers, educators and entrepreneurs told Birmingham Business editor Henry Carpenter that while pride in the district remains strong,…

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Chad shuts border with Sudan after cross-border incursion kills soldiers

Chad’s government says the border will remain ​closed until further ⁠notice, citing repeated violations by Sudan’s warring parties. Chad has closed its eastern border with Sudan, the government says, after several Chadian soldiers and civilians were killed in recent days in clashes linked to the Sudanese civil war. In a statement on Monday, Communications Minister…

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Number of workers on zero-hours contracts hits record high ahead of crackdown

The number of workers on zero-hours contracts has hit a record high, ahead of Labour’s planned crackdown on the practice from next year. A surge in 16-to-24-year-olds and workers not in full-time education helped drive the number of people employed on the contracts to 1.23 million in December. Analysis by the Work Foundation at Lancaster…

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Mexico Deploys Thousands of Troops After Death of ‘El Mencho’ Sparks Nationwide Violence

The government of Mexico has deployed thousands of additional soldiers to contain a surge of violence following the death of notorious cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as “El Mencho.” Authorities confirmed that unrest has spread across at least 20 states since the powerful drug lord died in custody on Sunday, shortly after being…

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