Tag: United States

UK, Nigeria missing as US releases list of countries eligible for 2025 visa waiver

The United States has released the list of eligible countries for its 2025 Visa Waiver Program with countries such as the United Kingdom excluded from the program but remains eligible under specific conditions.

The list also does not include any African countries, such as Nigeria, Ghana, or South Africa.

The list of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) remains unchanged, however the inclusion of Romania represents an important update.

The United States has also focused on improving security checks and prioritizing countries that have strong diplomatic ties and high border security standards.

According to the US Bureau of Consular Affairs website, the Visa Waiver Program permits most citizens or nationals from participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days without needing to obtain a visa.

See the full list below:

1. Andorra,

2. Australia,

3. Austria,

4. Belgium

5. Chile,

6. Czech Republic,

7. Croatia,

8. Denmark,

9. Estonia,

10. Finland,

11. France, 12. Germany,

13. Greece,

14. Hungary,

15. Iceland, 16. Ireland,

17. Italy,

18. Israel 19. Norway,

20. Poland,

21. Portugal,

22. San Marino,

23. Singapore,

24. Slovakia,

25. Japan, 26. Slovenia,

27. Latvia,

28. South Korea,

29. Liechtenstein,

30. Spain,

31. Lithuania,

32. Sweden, 33. Luxembourg,

34. Switzerland,

35. Malta,

36. Netherlands,

37. New Zealand,

38. Qatar,

39. Romania, 40. Monaco

February 25, 2025
United States responds to suit, defends Tik Tok ban over security

Late Friday, the Justice Department responded to TikTok’s lawsuit challenging a law that would require the app to be sold or face a ban in the United States. TikTok’s suit, filed in a federal court in Washington, argues that the law infringes on First Amendment rights to free speech.

The U.S. government counters that the law addresses national security issues rather than speech and that TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, cannot claim First Amendment protections. The filing outlines concerns that ByteDance could comply with Chinese government demands for user data or be pressured to censor or promote content. A senior Justice Department official explained, “The goal of this law is to ensure that everyone can use the platform safely, without their data being directed or censored by the Chinese government.”

The response argues that the focus on TikTok’s foreign ownership places the law outside First Amendment concerns. U.S. intelligence agencies worry that China might “weaponize” mobile apps, with officials citing attempts by China to collect data on Americans through cyber activities, data brokers, and AI models.

TikTok claims that the forced divestiture is “simply not possible” within the timeline required. The law, signed by President Joe Biden earlier this year, sets a deadline of mid-January 2025 for TikTok to find a non-Chinese buyer or face a U.S. ban. The White House may extend the deadline by 90 days.

TikTok and ByteDance’s lawsuit states, “For the first time in history, Congress has enacted a law that subjects a single, named speech platform to a permanent, nationwide ban,” potentially silencing millions of users worldwide. ByteDance has no plans to sell TikTok, leaving the lawsuit as its only recourse to avoid a ban.

TikTok’s legal challenges began under former President Donald Trump, whose administration attempted to ban the app, a move blocked by a federal judge citing likely overstated reasons and free speech concerns. Biden’s new effort aims to address similar legal challenges, with experts suggesting the Supreme Court might prioritize national security over free speech protections.

Doubts remain about potential buyers for TikTok, even if ByteDance agreed to sell. Major tech companies like Meta and Google may face antitrust barriers, and others might not afford the app, which has about 170 million U.S. users.

TikTok’s lawsuit emphasizes that the law could force a shutdown by January 19, 2025, potentially silencing users who rely on the platform for unique communication. The Justice Department views the statute as a significant shift from previous arguments, potentially influencing future legal battles.

July 27, 2024
Photos of Trump covered In blood after suspected assassination attempt

Photos of United States Republican Presidential candidate, Donald Trump pictured bloodied as he’s rushed off stage on Saturday by Secret Service during a presidential rally after an assassination attempt has emerged on social media

TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) reports that the incident occurred during Trump’s campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

In a statement on the incident, Donald Trump’s spokesperson Steven Cheung stated that the real estate billionaire “is fine.”

“President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act. He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility. More details will follow,” the statement read.

According to Anthony Guglielmi, US Secret Service chief of communications, Donald Trump is safe after an incident at his rally.

“An incident occurred the evening of July 13 at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania. The Secret Service has implemented protective measures and the former President is safe. This is now an active Secret Service investigation and further information will be released when available,” Guglielmi said in a statement.

According to CNN, Pool reporters at the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where former President Donald Trump was rushed offstage reported that they heard ‘“a series of loud explosions or loud bangs” before Secret Service agents rushed toward Trump

“The Secret Service went and immediately covered President Trump,” according to the pool report. “Pool heard residual bangs afterward.”

“Agents grabbed Trump, who was seen waving his fists in the air,” the pool report added.

July 14, 2024
Copa America: Favourite Brazil crash out after losing to Uruguay 4-2 on Penalties

Uruguay on early Sunday morning grabbed semi-final ticket at the expense of Brazil after a thrilling penalty shoot out at the Allegiant Stadium in the United states.

Both teams finished goalless after 90 minutes of fascinating football.

Both teams appeared cagey all through 90 minutes of the encounter.

Barcelona teammates turned opponents Ronald Araujo and Raphinha got in each other’s faces after the defender bundled over 17-year-old Endrick, who started in place of the suspended Vinicius Junior.

The teenager missed a chance to open the scoring before Darwin Nunez fell short at the other end. But there were more fouls than true chances in the first half.

However, the Liverpool star was unable to make a difference as his shot were kept away by Allison.

The second half became more thrilling with more chances created on both ends.

Long-range strikes from Fede Valverde kept Alisson on his toes, but he couldn’t find the net.

Uruguay’s situation then worsened with 15 minutes to go. Nahitan Nández made a dangerous challenge on Rodrygo and collided studs up on the Brazilian’s ankle. After being shown yellow, VAR deemed it deserved a red card.

Even with the advantage Brazil couldn’t capitalize and missed two of their penalties as Uruguay moved on. They will now face Colombia in the semi-finals.

July 7, 2024
US president Biden, promises to support new UK PM

President Joe Biden has expressed his eagerness to collaborate with the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, aiming to bolster the relationship between the US and the UK during Starmer’s tenure.

On his X page, President Biden congratulated Starmer on his new role: “Congratulations to Prime Minister Keir Starmer on becoming Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. I look forward to our shared work in support of freedom and democracy around the world, and to further strengthening the special relationship between our two countries.”

Starmer, the Labour Party candidate, was elected into office yesterday after securing the necessary 326 parliamentary seats. Addressing an enthusiastic crowd in Central London following his victory, Starmer said: “We did it; change begins now. It feels good; I have to be honest.”

The outgoing Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, acknowledged his responsibility for the Conservative Party’s defeat.

July 6, 2024
How Davido used me to chase clout – Portable

Controversial Nigerian singer, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has accused his colleague, Davido of using him to trend with their recent dinner in the United States.

According to him, Davido only invited him for a dinner to chase clout, saying he didn’t get gift nor money.

Portable insisted that the DMW boss should have given him at least $10,000.

The ‘Zazu’ crooner stated this in a video message shared via his Instagram page recently.

“Davido ripped me, you invited me out for a dinner in America, but you didn’t give me a verse or money, you just used me to trend. You should have given me at least $10,000,” he said.

Recall that Portable and Davido fell out after the former publicly accused the latter of giving him “bad advice” during their dinner in the United States.

Davido reacted by unfollowing Portable on Instagram, and the ‘Zazu’ crooner also unfollowed him.

June 19, 2024
Why Real Madrid pulled out of World Club Cup – Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid manager on Monday gave reasons the UEFA Champions League winner will not participate in FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup next season.

United States will host the expanded edition next year July.

A total of 32 teams from across the world have been invited to take part in the expanded edition.

Ancelotti, who guided Real to a double of La Liga and the Champions League this season, claims that FIFA have offered around €20million for their participation.

According to the Italian, Real will not be the only team rejecting FIFA’s offer.

“FIFA forgets that the teams will not participate in the new Club World Cup.

“A single Real Madrid match is worth €20million and FIFA wants to give us that amount for the entire tournament.

“We will decline the invitation,” Ancelotti told Il Giornale.

June 10, 2024
Biden makes plans to visit Africa if re-elected

United States President, Joe Biden has said that he will embark on tour of some African countries in February following the U.S. presidential election in November.

The announcement, which suggests confidence in his re-election against Republican rival Donald Trump, was made as Biden welcomed Kenyan President William Ruto to the White House for a two-day meeting and state dinner.

“I plan on going in February after I am reelected,” Biden stated, marking the potential visit as a significant part of his post-election agenda.

Senior administration officials revealed that Biden and Ruto’s discussions would cover a wide array of topics, including trade, debt relief, and the future of international issues such as the situations in Haiti, Ukraine, and Sudan.

In addition to his planned visit to Kenya, Biden hinted at a potential trip to Angola during a meeting with Angolan President Joao Lourenco in late November, though no specific date was mentioned.

National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan confirmed Biden’s intention to visit Africa, expressing the president’s anticipation for the trip but withholding any formal announcement.

Despite the emphasis on Africa’s significance in global matters, Biden has faced criticism for not visiting the continent during his presidency. However, more than two dozen senior officials from his administration, including Vice President Kamala Harris and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, have made visits to various African nations, highlighting the administration’s ongoing engagement with the continent.

May 23, 2024
First person to receive Pig kidney transplant dies in United States

A man who was identified as Richard Slayman and the first ever human to receive a kidney from a pig, has died, reports says.

According to reports, the man received the transplant from Massachusetts General Hospital, in the United States.

The operation was carried out in March 2024 but the patient died two months after in May of the same year.

In a statement late Saturday, the transplant team said they “have no indication” Slayman’s death was the result of the transplant, which the hospital had heralded as a major scientific achievement.

Slayman, 62, a systems manager for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, had already endured a transplant with a human kidney that had to be removed because of complications and was struggling with three-times-a-week dialysis when he agreed to the experimental pig-kidney procedure.

When they announced that surgery had been successful, the Mass. General team said such animal-to-human transplants, known as xenotransplantation, offer the possibility of solving the human organ shortage and a potential option for the hundreds of thousands of Americans suffering on dialysis.

Slayman appeared to be recovering well. He walked within a few days of the March 16 procedure and was released from the hospital April 3.

The hospital’s Saturday statement included comments from family members, saying they were “deeply saddened” by his passing but grateful for the extra seven weeks they had with Slayman. They appreciated knowing his participation in the research offered inspiration to others.

“Millions of people worldwide have come to know Rick’s story. We felt – and still feel – comforted by the optimism he provided patients desperately waiting for a transplant,” the statement said, in part.

Mass. General transplant team members, some of whom had treated Slayman for years, praised his generosity and kindness and described him as a “beacon of hope” for other patients. “We are deeply grateful for his trust and willingness to advance the field of xenotransplantation,” the team said.

Two patients who received pig hearts at the University of Maryland Medical Center also died within two months of their procedures in 2022 and 2023.

May 13, 2024
US north-east states hit by 4.8 magnitude earthquake

The United States Geological Survey on Friday said that the densely populated New York City metropolitan area was struck by earthquake.

The earthquake shook the densely populated New York City metropolitan area with residents saying they felt rumbling across the eastern seaboard.

It was observed that the earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 4.8, centered near Lebanon, New Jersey.

People reported feeling the quake in neighboring states of Connecticut and Massachusetts, with the Weather Channel reporting that it was noticeable in Boston and residents in Philadelphia reporting they felt it, too.

New York governor, Kathy Hochul, posted on social media that the quake was felt throughout the state.

“My team is assessing impacts and any damage that may have occurred, and we will update the public throughout the day,” Hochul said.

April 5, 2024