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Hadisur Rahman, JadeTimes Staff

H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering the USA

Trump
Image Source: Dia Dipasupil, Getty Images

President Donald Trump’s state visit to the United Kingdom, the Federal Reserve’s upcoming policy decision, the trial related to the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, and the passing of legendary actor Robert Redford are dominating today’s headlines.


The man accused of killing Charlie Kirk has appeared in court in Utah through a video link. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty, pointing to evidence that includes alleged text message confessions from the suspect. The case has drawn nationwide attention and renewed concern over political violence in the country.


Federal Reserve Meeting Draws Attention

All eyes are on the U.S. Federal Reserve as officials gather for a critical policy meeting. The main question is whether the Fed will lower interest rates to address slowing economic activity. Markets are watching closely, as any decision or statement from the central bank could have immediate effects on borrowing costs, investment trends, and consumer confidence.


President Trump’s trip to the UK marks his second official state visit. His schedule includes high-profile meetings with British leaders and a banquet at Windsor Castle. The visit is not without controversy, as it has sparked protests and debates over free speech, political rhetoric, and international relations. Supporters view the visit as an important diplomatic engagement, while critics see it as a reflection of global divisions.


Actor and filmmaker Robert Redford has passed away at the age of 89. He was celebrated not only for his iconic performances in films such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and All the President’s Men but also for his work as a director and champion of independent cinema through the Sundance Film Festival. Redford was equally respected for his decades of environmental activism, leaving behind a legacy that stretches across art, culture, and public service.

Hadisur Rahman, JadeTimes Staff

H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Business

Apple
Image Source: REUTERS/Abdul Saboor/File Photo

Apple has called on the European Union to repeal its landmark Digital Markets Act (DMA), arguing that the sweeping rules are harming innovation and consumer safety rather than curbing Big Tech’s dominance.


The appeal comes as the European Commission conducts its first review of the DMA, which took effect last year and requires so-called “gatekeepers” like Apple to open their platforms to competitors. The commission invited stakeholder feedback until 24 September.


Apple said the DMA has forced delays in rolling out key features in Europe, including iPhone-to-Mac mirroring, AirPods live translation, and location-based tools in Apple Maps. The company argued that the interoperability requirements undermine privacy and security, exposing users to risks such as scams, malware, and inappropriate content from third-party apps.


“It’s become clear that we can’t solve every problem the DMA creates,” Apple said in a statement. “Over time, it’s become clear that the DMA isn’t helping markets. It’s making it harder to do business in Europe.”


The European Commission pushed back, with a spokesperson stressing that compliance is mandatory: “Gatekeepers, like Apple, must allow interoperability of third-party devices with their operating systems.”


Apple insisted it has sought compromises, but claimed its proposed safeguards were rejected by regulators. The company has already adjusted App Store rules and fees in the EU to comply with earlier antitrust orders.


Critics of the DMA, including the Trump administration, argue the rules stifle American tech innovation, while Brussels maintains that the legislation is essential to level the digital playing field.


Apple’s challenge highlights the growing tensions between regulators and Big Tech as Europe seeks to shape global standards for digital competition and data protection.ve to watch the journey it’s an adventure.”

Hadisur Rahman, JadeTimes Staff

H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Asia

Ming Family
Image Source: CCTV, Jonathan Head/BBC

A Chinese court has sentenced 11 members of the notorious Ming family to death for running extensive scam and criminal operations in Myanmar, state media reported. The ruling came alongside sentences for dozens of other family members, with punishments ranging from suspended death sentences to life imprisonment and jail terms of five to 24 years.


The Ming family, part of one of four clans controlling the town of Laukkaing near the China-Myanmar border, had turned the sleepy border town into a hub for gambling, drugs, and scam centres. Chinese authorities said the family’s criminal activities, active since 2015, included telecommunications fraud, illegal casinos, drug trafficking, and prostitution, generating over 10 billion yuan ($1.4 billion).


Myanmar authorities cracked down on these operations in 2023, arresting many clan members and transferring them to China. Among the crimes cited by the court were the deaths of several scam centre workers, including incidents in which employees were shot to prevent them from fleeing back to China.


The Ming family’s scam centres, including the infamous “Crouching Tiger Villa,” held thousands of workers in harsh conditions. The operations were part of a larger “scamdemic” network, which has ensnared over 100,000 foreign nationals forced into online fraud targeting victims globally.


An offensive by insurgent groups two years ago displaced the Myanmar military in parts of Shan State and allowed China to facilitate the handover of criminals to its authorities. The family patriarch, Ming Xuechang, reportedly committed suicide, while other members confessed to their crimes.


China’s harsh sentencing reflects its intent to clamp down on cross-border scam operations. The move has also prompted regional action, including Thailand’s crackdown on scam centres near Myanmar. Despite these efforts, similar criminal enterprises continue to operate in Cambodia and parts of Myanmar.


The court’s verdict underscores Beijing’s determination to target organized crime exploiting its border regions and serves as a warning to syndicates running fraudulent operations abroad.

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