Author: Grace Johnson

Grace Johnson is a freelance journalist from the USA with over 15 years of experience reporting on Politics, World Affairs, Business, Health, Technology, Finance, Lifestyle, and Culture. She earned her degree in Communication and Journalism from the University of Miami. Throughout her career, she has contributed to major outlets including The Miami Herald, CNN, and USA Today. Known for her clear and engaging reporting, Grace delivers accurate and timely news that keeps readers informed on both national and global developments.

President Donald Trump has signed a temporary spending bill that ends the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. He approved the measure just hours after the House of Representatives voted 222 to 209 on Wednesday night. Two days earlier, the Senate narrowly passed the same legislation after intense negotiations. In the Oval Office, Trump said the government would “resume normal operations” after “people were hurt so badly” during the 43-day closure. Since October, many federal agencies had suspended operations. About 1.4 million federal employees were either on unpaid leave or working without pay. Food assistance programs froze, and nationwide air…

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Podstock, a leading podcast analytics provider, has expanded its reach with a new partnership with Ballen Studios and an extended collaboration with Dear Media. The move underscores growth in podcast technology and analytics, reflecting a thriving niche in the media sector. The agreement with Ballen Studios allows Podstock to offer enhanced analytics tools to more podcasters. These services help creators track audience engagement, measure performance, and optimize content for better listener growth. By combining data insights with production expertise, the partnership aims to strengthen podcast reach and effectiveness. In addition to the new deal, Podstock extended its existing partnership with Dear Media.…

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US President Donald Trump says he has a “duty” to sue a British broadcaster for editing part of his 6 January 2021 speech in a Panorama documentary. Speaking to Fox News, he claimed the edit “butchered” his words and “misled” viewers. This is his first public statement since his lawyers warned of a $1 billion lawsuit unless the organisation retracts the programme, apologises, and compensates him. Trump insists speech was distorted In an interview on The Ingraham Angle, Trump said he plans to move forward with legal action. “Well, I guess I have to,” he said. “They deceived the public,…

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The State University of New York (SUNY) announced a new Military Tuition Rate initiative, set to begin in Spring 2026. The program aims to support active-duty, Guard, and Reserve members by reducing financial barriers to higher education. Officials said the initiative is designed to better align SUNY tuition with existing federal tuition benefits, helping service members access college programs more affordably. The new system reflects the university’s commitment to serving those who serve the nation. Under the Military Tuition Rate, eligible students will pay a streamlined tuition amount, making it easier to plan education costs alongside military benefits. The initiative…

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The United States Senate has approved a key funding bill that could bring the country’s longest government shutdown to an end within days. The measure passed late on Monday in a 60-40 vote, supported by nearly all Republicans and eight Democrats. The deal funds federal operations through the end of January. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives, which must approve it before President Donald Trump can sign it into law. Trump said earlier on Monday that he was ready to support the measure. The agreement followed intense weekend negotiations aimed at reopening federal agencies and returning employees…

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S&P Global has completed the acquisition of ORBCOMM’s Automatic Identification System (AIS) business in the United States, strengthening its maritime analytics and global trade intelligence capabilities. The move enhances supply-chain visibility and supports data-driven insights for clients worldwide. The acquisition gives S&P Global access to ORBCOMM’s extensive AIS data, which tracks maritime traffic, vessel movements, and shipping patterns. Analysts say this expansion allows the company to offer more comprehensive analytics, supporting decision-making across logistics, trade, and transportation sectors. “This acquisition strengthens our ability to provide actionable insights in global trade and maritime operations,” said a company spokesperson. “Clients can now…

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New leadership aims to reverse declining performanceDiageo, the world’s largest drinks company, has appointed former Tesco chief executive Sir Dave Lewis as its new leader. He will officially take over on 1 January, after Debra Crew resigned in the summer following two years in charge. The appointment signals Diageo’s strategy to revive weakening sales and restore investor confidence. Guinness continues to grow, but other brands in the portfolio have struggled, pushing shares to a 10-year low. After the announcement, Diageo’s shares rose 7% in early Monday trading. Global brands hit by market challengesDiageo owns major drinks brands, including Johnnie Walker,…

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A powerful super typhoon has struck the Philippines, bringing devastating winds and heavy rainfall. Authorities warn of “life-threatening conditions” as the storm sweeps across the nation’s largest and most populated island. Bicol Region Feels the Brunt of the Storm Typhoon Fung Wong, carrying sustained winds of 185 km/h, is hitting multiple provinces, according to the national weather service Pagasa. The eastern Bicol region was the first to take the storm’s full force early Sunday morning. Luzon, the country’s main population center, is expected to experience the heaviest impact by nightfall. Locally known as Uwan, Fung Wong comes just days after…

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A recent U.S. study found that children with eczema who were vaccinated against COVID-19 experienced additional health benefits beyond protection from the virus. Researchers observed that these children had fewer infections and allergic reactions compared to unvaccinated peers. The findings suggest that COVID-19 vaccination may provide broader health advantages in certain populations, particularly children with chronic conditions such as eczema. Experts note that the immune response triggered by the vaccine could play a role in reducing susceptibility to other infections and allergies. Children with eczema often face increased risks of infections and immune-related complications. The study indicates that vaccination may…

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Airports across the United States faced widespread disruption on Friday as more than 5,000 flights were cancelled or delayed. The chaos followed federal orders requiring airlines to cut schedules amid the ongoing government shutdown. The rules, applied at 40 of the nation’s busiest airports, aim to reduce pressure on air traffic controllers and other essential federal employees still working without pay. Many have missed shifts or taken second jobs to survive as the shutdown enters its second month. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an emergency order cutting flights by 4%, warning reductions could reach 10% next week. Major hubs…

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