How a Syrian rebel group pulled off its stunning seizure of Aleppo

A bipartisan congressional bill is being introduced by U.S. Reps. Darin LaHood and Josh Gottheimer to ban China's DeepSeek AI software from government devices due to national security concerns, citing espionage risks. DeepSeek, a CCP-affiliated company, is accused of acquiring and storing U.S. user data for potential use by Chinese authorities, with hidden code that could send information to China Mobile. DeepSeek's ability to produce advanced AI results at a low cost has caused alarm,...

Irv Gotti, a prominent producer known for shaping hip-hop and R&B music in the 2000s, has passed away at the age of 54. Gotti's influence on the music industry was significant, as he played a key role in the success of numerous artists during that era. His legacy will be remembered for his innovative contributions to the genre and his impact on the evolution of modern music. Full Article

Johannesburg's Ponte Tower, once a hub of criminal activity, has transformed over the past 15 years, with residents returning and the building now nearly three-quarters full. Property company Ithemba is leading the city's revival, with developments like Jewel City bringing new hope to Johannesburg. Initiatives like JoziMyJozi are working to improve safety, infrastructure, and quality of life in the city, aiming to make Johannesburg a global standard for urban revitalization. Full Article

Cape Town has been named the Best City in the World for 2025 by Time Out, solidifying its reputation as a premier global destination known for its natural beauty, cultural richness, and top-notch infrastructure. The city's ability to host prestigious events like the Mining Indaba and the Cape Town Cycle Tour creates economic opportunities for local businesses, with Standard Bank offering financial solutions to support growth and sustainability initiatives, ultimately contributing to inclusive growth and...

The Bank of England cut its interest rate by 25 basis points to 4.5%, with plans for further cuts as it downgraded the UK's growth forecast for 2025. Governor Andrew Bailey stated that more rate cuts are expected, citing uncertainty in the economy. Weak growth data and lower-than-expected inflation led to the decision, with the central bank halving its growth forecast and emphasizing a cautious approach to monetary policy adjustments. Full Article

A man in his 40s died in a single vehicle road crash on the N59 at Ballycroy, near Westport, at 10am. The road is closed with diversions in place, and Garda Forensic Collision Investigators are involved. Witnesses and anyone with camera footage from 9.30am to 10am are urged to contact Westport Garda station. Full Article