WASHINGTON, DC – The United States federal government is experiencing what experts are calling the largest single-year loss of institutional expertise in decades, as more than 150,000 federal workers officially departed their posts this week. This massive exodus, facilitated by a government-wide buyout scheme, has triggered widespread fears of a severe “brain drain” as thousands of experienced staff walk away, taking with them decades of specialised knowledge vital to maintaining essential public services. The formal resignations began on Tuesday for employees who opted into a deferred exit programme that kept them technically on the payroll through September. The buyouts are…
Author: Raja Zahid Khanzada
WASHINGTON, DC – The United States has decided to provide Ukraine with critical intelligence to assist in striking Russia’s oil and power sites, marking a significant escalation in support aimed at crippling the Kremlin’s war financing. The move comes as Washington simultaneously weighs sending Kyiv weapons that could vastly expand its range of attack. Citing US officials, The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday that this development will make it easier for Ukraine to target crucial energy infrastructure—refineries, pipelines, and power stations—with the specific goal of drying up Russia’s revenue and oil supply. This is the first reported instance of…
SAN FRANCISCO, US – Elon Musk, the world’s richest person and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has achieved a historic financial milestone, momentarily crossing the half-trillion-dollar mark. According to a report by Forbes magazine on Wednesday, Musk briefly reached a net worth of $500.1 billion, solidifying his position and placing him nearly halfway to becoming the planet’s first-ever ‘trillionaire’. The surge in wealth, confirmed by the publication’s “Real-Time Billionaires” tracker, saw the 54-year-old’s fortune hit the $500.1 billion threshold before slightly dipping back to $499.1 billion. The unprecedented gain is largely attributed to a significant rebound in shares of his…
PARIS, FRANCE – In the bustling heart of the French capital, a dwindling profession finds its last, resonant voice in Ali Akbar, a 73-year-old newspaper hawker whose humorous shouts and enduring presence have made him a living legend. Zigzagging daily through the upscale streets and cafes of Saint-German-des-Pres, Akbar is known to everyone, and everyone knows him. Operating primarily in the Left Bank, the cultural and intellectual epicentre of Paris, Akbar’s signature is his repertoire of invented, sensational headlines designed to amuse and engage. “France is getting better!” he cries, alongside political barbs like, “(Eric) Zemmour has converted to Islam!”—a…
MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM – A horrific car-ramming and stabbing attack outside a packed synagogue in Manchester has claimed the lives of two people and left three others severely wounded as the Jewish community observed the solemn holiday of Yom Kippur. The suspect was reportedly shot dead by UK police at the scene. The incident unfolded on Thursday morning outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in the Crumpsall neighbourhood of the northwestern city. Police were immediately mobilised, triggering a national counter-terrorism response protocol amid the profound sensitivity of the timing. The attack strikes just days ahead of the second anniversary…
NEWCASTLE, UK – The prestigious Mercury Prize music ceremony is set to make history by holding its 2025 event in Newcastle, marking the first time the awards bash has been staged outside of London. The relocation is part of a broader effort to celebrate music across the UK. The main ceremony will take place at the Utilita Arena on October 16. A range of nominated artists, including FKA twigs, Sam Fender, Pulp, and Wolf Alice, are slated to perform, alongside other acts such as Emma-Jean Thackray, Jacob Alon, Joe Webb, Martin Carthy, and Pa Salieu. The Shortlist and Returning…
HOLLYWOOD – The long-anticipated third instalment of the Robert Downey Jr. Sherlock Holmes film series is being considered for a drastic change in setting, moving the traditional British detective story to the United States. Producer Susan Downey, who is the wife of the film’s star, revealed the creative team is exploring the shift to make the next film unique. Exploring a New Setting Speaking to Collider, Susan Downey said the production team has been discussing a “slightly different direction” for the sequel, which would break from the established setting of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s original stories and the…
HOLLYWOOD – Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman has filed for divorce from her husband, country music star Keith Urban, after nearly two decades of marriage. Kidman filed the papers on September 30, citing irreconcilable differences as the reason for the separation. Reports suggest that a key factor in the breakdown of the 19-year marriage was a growing feeling by the actress that her now-estranged husband was not “supportive” of her demanding professional career. A Divide Over Career Support A source speaking to People Magazine indicated a stark contrast between Urban’s attitude and that of their two daughters, Sunday and…
PARIS, FRANCE – Aurora Culpo, the older sister of actress and model Olivia Culpo, has announced her engagement to her boyfriend, Zac. The 36-year-old shared photos of the intimate proposal, which took place in Paris, on Tuesday. The announcement was made with a carousel of photos captioned: “Said YES in the city of love!! 🥂✨.” The first image captured the moment Zac was on one knee in a Parisian park, presenting a ring as Aurora smiled. The subsequent photos on the Barely Filtered podcast host’s feed showed the couple celebrating, hugging after the proposal, toasting with champagne on a boat,…
PARIS/HOLLYWOOD – The two-year romantic relationship between Ashley Park and Paul Forman, co-stars on the hit Netflix series Emily in Paris, has reportedly concluded. Insiders have confirmed that the duo, who began dating after meeting during the filming of the show’s third season in 2022, have broken up. TMZ reported on Wednesday that the former couple’s relationship “ended in the last month or so.” Park and Forman, who play lovers in the Netflix series, publicly confirmed their relationship with a public display of affection (PDA) photo on January 25, 2024. Their final known joint social media post was a video…
