News

Olympics off to a winning start for Japan

Published

4 years ago

July 21, 2021

ticker NEWS

Tokyo’s divisive Olympic Games don’t officially begin until Friday, but the sporting action has already started.

The Tokyo Games have got off to a winning start for the host nation, with Japan crushing Australia 8-1 in a spectator-less softball clash in Fukushima.

This was the first softball game played at the Olympics in over a decade, after the sport was dropped from the program after the 2008 Games.

Two other softball games, as well as the first of the women’s football matches, are also being played today ahead of the opening ceremony on Friday.

It comes amid widespread domestic opposition to the Games taking place

A majority of Japanese people also don’t believe the Olympics will be “safe and secure”, despite that being promised by Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga.

68% of respondents to a poll published by the Asahi newspaper this week don’t believe organisers can keep the Games safe.

The first COVID-19 cases amongst competitors staying in the Athletes Village were recorded on the weekend. Games organisers have so far reported 79 infections that are linked to the Olympics.

“Solidarity and determination”

The chief of the World Health Organisation has addressed International Olympic Committee members in Tokyo, telling them “it is my sincere hope the Tokyo Games succeed“.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says “the mark of success…is not zero risk” but “is making sure that any cases are identified, isolated, traced and cared for as quickly as possible and onward transmission is interrupted.”

“It’s my sincerest hope that they succeed not only for the sake of the games themselves and the safety of the athletes, trainers and officials, but as a demonstration of what’s possible with the right plans and the right measures.”
Dr. Tedros

Doctor Tedros says he hopes these games will “be the moment that unites the world, and ignites the solidarity and determination we need to end the pandemic together”.

News

Erika Kirk delivers emotional address at Charlie Kirk’s memorial:

Erika Kirk’s heartfelt memorial address: “He blinked and saw his Savior in paradise,” resonated with a cheering stadium.

Published

5 hours ago

September 22, 2025

ticker NEWS

Erika Kirk’s heartfelt memorial address: “He blinked and saw his Savior in paradise,” resonated with a cheering stadium.

Erika Kirk delivers emotional address at her late husband Charlie Kirk’s memorial:

“He blinked and saw his Savior in paradise.”

She started praying as everyone in the stadium cheered her.

News

UN struggles with Israel-Palestine conflict and climate action

UN faces mounting pressure over Gaza and climate change as global leaders convene for General Assembly amid ongoing crises

Published

16 hours ago

September 21, 2025

Ahron Young

UN faces mounting pressure over Gaza and climate change as global leaders convene for General Assembly amid ongoing crises

In Short:
– The UN struggles with violence in Gaza and doubts about its role in global conflicts.
– International pressure on Israel increases, with smaller nations relying on the UN to express their concerns.

The United Nations faces significant challenges as it grapples with escalating violence in Gaza and broader global issues.

Delegates are gathering this week in New York for the UN General Assembly, where the UN’s inability to resolve the Israel-Palestine conflict looms large.Historically, the UN aimed to establish peace between Jewish and Arab states in Palestine.

However, its power to address current tensions has diminished, especially with Israel’s continued incursions into Palestinian territories. Israeli officials, including the ambassador to the UN, have vocalised frustrations towards the organisation.

The UN’s challenges extend to its roles in humanitarian aid and climate initiatives, facing budget constraints and diminished expectations.

Global leaders are questioning the UN’s relevance, particularly regarding pressing issues like the Ukraine conflict.

International Response

Increased international scrutiny of Israel parallels historical situations, leading to calls for intensified diplomatic efforts.

The EU has proposed new measures affecting Israeli imports. Amidst this, smaller nations view the UN as a vital platform to voice concerns that might otherwise go unheard.

News

Trump proposes $100,000 H-1B visa fee increase

Trump announces massive H-1B visa fee increases and introduces $1 million ‘gold card’ to reshape immigration system

Published

1 day ago

September 21, 2025

Ahron Young

Trump announces massive H-1B visa fee increases and introduces $1 million ‘gold card’ to reshape immigration system

In Short:
– Trump announced a $100,000 fee for H-1B visas and a $1 million residency gold card to boost American hiring.
– Critics argue increased fees may limit smaller firms’ access to foreign talent, impacting U.S. tech innovation.

President Trump announced significant changes to the U.S. immigration system, introducing a new $100,000 fee for H-1B visas and a $1 million “gold card” for residency.

The move aims to increase revenue and promote the hiring of American workers, claiming that many tech companies exploit the current system.The fee increase targets H-1B visa applications, which traditionally have low entry costs.

Trump stated the initiative aims to bring in highly skilled individuals rather than those crossing the borders illegally. A gold card requiring a $1 million payment will expedite visa processing, with a reduced availability compared to existing green card categories.

The new programme could alter the competitive landscape for U.S. tech companies, which historically depend on H-1B visas to access foreign talent.

Critics warn that the increased fees may deter smaller firms from utilising these visas, potentially hindering U.S. progress in tech sectors like artificial intelligence.

Visa Impact

Debate persists within Trump’s administration regarding the new policy’s implications. Supporters argue it protects American jobs, while opponents contend it restricts access to global talent crucial for innovation.

The H-1B visa programme, established in 1990, remains vital for skilled foreign workers seeking residency in the U.S., yet faces growing scrutiny.