African Continental Brief: Business, Security, Politics and Human Rights | 28, Aug 2025

Tanzania: President Hassan Cleared for Election Amid Opposition Barriers Tanzania’s electoral commission has formally approved President Samia Suluhu Hassan and her running mate Emmanuel Nchimbi to contest the October 29 presidential election. However, the disqualification of CHADEMA, the country’s main opposition party, raises concerns over electoral fairness. CHADEMA was barred in April for refusing to […]

Continue Reading

Repurposing wood waste for a clean, green alternative to fossil-based chemicals

In one of Europe’s most forested nations, Estonia, a quiet revolution is transforming the way we think about wood. For centuries, timber has shaped everyday life. It’s used for building homes, crafting furniture and fuelling fires. Now, a lesser-known wood product is taking centre stage. This natural substance is opening new doors for replacing fossil-based […]

Continue Reading

The United Kingdom remains deeply concerned about the escalating humanitarian crisis in Haiti: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Thank you, President. I thank the Secretary-General, Executive Director Russell and Mr Roosevelt for briefing us today. And I welcome the participation of the representatives of Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Barbados in our meeting. I will make three points. First, the United Kingdom remains deeply concerned about the escalating humanitarian crisis in Haiti.  As […]

Continue Reading

What is Evil? Exploring Evil Through Science, Storytelling, and Philosophy: A Salon on Moral Reckoning

LOS ANGELES — In her article Evil on Trial: Science, Storytelling, and the Search for Good, journalist Alene Dawson captures a compelling evening of dialogue hosted by the Science & Entertainment Exchange, where Hollywood creatives and scholars gathered to confront one of humanity’s oldest questions: what is evil, and how do we respond to it? […]

Continue Reading

Hope for Borrowers as US Student Loan Forgiveness Approvals Surge

WASHINGTON — A recent wave of student loan forgiveness approval notices—dubbed “golden letters”—has brought renewed optimism to borrowers navigating the troubled federal student loan system. These letters confirm final discharge under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, which forgives remaining federal student loan balances after 120 qualifying monthly payments made by individuals working full-time […]

Continue Reading

Japan Delays $550 Billion Trade Talks with U.S. Due To Unresolved Technicalities

TOKYO — Japan’s top trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa abruptly canceled a scheduled visit to Washington on Thursday, citing unresolved technical issues related to the implementation of the U.S.-Japan trade agreement. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi confirmed the decision, stating that “certain points required further technical discussion” during coordination with U.S. officials. The trip was intended […]

Continue Reading

how DNA analysis can trace a wine’s genetic origins

An integral part of Mediterranean culture, wine is made by fermenting pressed grape juice. The resulting drink consists of water and alcohol, alongside volatile chemical compounds (aldehydes, ketones, esters) and non-volatile compounds (sugar, flavonoids, terpenes) in highly variable proportions. It has accompanied human rituals, celebrations, meals and moments socialisation or rest since at least the […]

Continue Reading

Justice Department Opens Investigation into California Environmental Protection Agency for Discriminatory Employment Practices | Office of Public Affairs

The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division has opened an investigation into the California Environmental Protection Agency (CAL EPA), including the California Air Resources Board (CARB), to determine whether it may be engaged in employment practices that discriminate based on race, sex, color, and national origin. In publicly available guidance documents, CAL EPA highlights “hiring, promotion […]

Continue Reading

Ireland: Government Expands Youth Support with €1.2M Funding for Ten New UBU Services

DUBLIN — Minister for Education and Youth Helen McEntee TD has announced the launch of ten new UBU Your Place Your Space services, backed by an additional €1.2 million allocated in Budget 2025. The expansion aims to deliver targeted, youth worker-led supports to up to 1,000 young people across Ireland. UBU – Your Place Your […]

Continue Reading

U.S. Offers Tariff Relief from 50% to 25% to India in Exchange for Halting Russian Oil Imports

WASHINGTON — In a sharp escalation of trade and geopolitical tensions, White House Trade Adviser Peter Navarro stated this week that India could receive a 25% reduction in U.S. tariffs—if it agrees to cease importing Russian oil. The offer comes amid growing criticism from Washington over New Delhi’s continued energy ties with Moscow. Speaking to […]

Continue Reading