Author: admin@primenews

TikTok says a potential ban on its app in the US would “trample the free speech” of 170 million Americans. The US House of Representatives voted on Saturday to ban TikTok if the app’s owner does not cut its ties with China. The legislation was part of a US foreign policy package that included aid for Ukraine and could become law as early as next week. In recent months US officials have voiced alarm over TikTok’s popularity with young people. They allege TikTok’s owner Bytedance is subservient to Beijing – accusations it has repeatedly denied. The TikTok legislation was included…

US journalist Terry Anderson, who was held hostage for nearly seven years during Lebanon’s civil war, has died aged 76. Anderson was the chief Middle East correspondent for the Associated Press when he was captured by Islamist militants in 1985 during what became known as the Lebanon hostage crisis. He died at his home in Greenwood Lake, New York, on Sunday, his daughter said. Sulome Anderson said he had found peace in recent years after the ordeal. “He never liked to be called a hero, but that’s what everyone persisted in calling him,” she said. “Though my father’s life was…

There are some things on which tennis’ seven governing bodies agree. The season is too long, deserves a more compelling year-long narrative – and ideally just one overriding power should be calling the shots. But the future could come in many shapes and sizes. There is the proposal for a Premium Tour, which could issue just 64 tour cards each year and culminate with promotion and relegation play-offs. And there is a strong likelihood of greater Saudi Arabia involvement. The WTA Finals are heading to Saudi capital Riyadh for each of the next three years, and by the end of…

A teenage runner with Down’s syndrome has made history as the youngest person in his learning disability category to complete a marathon. Lloyd Martin, 19, whose family is from Cardiff, completed the London Marathon with his mum as his guide. Guinness World Records created the challenge for Lloyd and awarded him a certificate at the finish. “In Lloyd’s words, it’s achieving his dream,” said his mum Ceri Hooper, 54. “Really anything is possible if you put your mind to it,” she said. “With a bit of work, you can achieve it.” Lloyd is the youngest person to complete a marathon…

Pictures of Donald Trump sitting in a New York courtroom have accompanied countless front-page stories about the first-ever criminal trial of a serving or former US president. That coverage has not been limited to the US. The world’s media have carried the story – remarking on the man who wants to return to the White House and the case against him. Mr Trump denies 34 counts of falsifying business records in relation to a $130,000 payment made by his lawyer to buy the silence of an adult film star just before the 2016 election. She alleges they had an affair;…

All five members of the Spice Girls have reunited, just perhaps not as you’d expect. On Saturday night, Victoria Beckham, Melanie Brown, Emma Bunton, Geri Horner and Melanie Chisholm, better known as Posh, Scary, Baby, Ginger and Sporty Spice, came together to celebrate Victoria’s 50th birthday in London. The bandmates partied like it was 1997, performing their classic song, Stop. David Beckham shared the moment on Instagram, and was seen singing along. “I mean come on,” Victoria’s husband, and former England captain, 48, wrote in his caption. Victoria responded in the comments, writing: “Best night ever! Happy Birthday to me! I…

Seven people have been killed and 21 injured after a race car ploughed into spectators at a motor event in Sri Lanka. The crash occurred at the Fox Hill Supercross race on Sunday in Diyatalawa, an army base town. Among the dead were four race officials as well as spectators, including an eight-year-old girl, the army said. Few details have been released about the driver, his condition and whether he will face charges. But authorities said a full police investigation was underway into the crash on the army-owned track. Diyatalawa, in central southern Sri Lanka is a former garrison town…

US journalist Terry Anderson, who was held hostage for nearly seven years during Lebanon’s civil war, has died aged 76. Anderson was the chief Middle East correspondent for the Associated Press when he was captured by Islamist militants in 1985 during what became known as the Lebanon hostage crisis. He died at his home in Greenwood Lake, New York, on Sunday, his daughter said. Sulome Anderson said he had found peace in recent years after the ordeal. “He never liked to be called a hero, but that’s what everyone persisted in calling him,” she said. “Though my father’s life was…

The reclining armchairs and plush leather sofas coming off the production line at Man Wah Furniture’s factory in Monterrey are 100% “Made in Mexico”. They’re destined for large retailers in the US, like Costco and Walmart. But the company is from China, its Mexican manufacturing plant built with Chinese capital. The triangular relationship between the US, China and Mexico is behind the buzzword in Mexican business: nearshoring. Man Wah is one of scores of Chinese companies to relocate to industrial parks in northern Mexico in recent years, to bring production closer to the US market. As well as saving on…

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu’s party has won a landslide victory in a parliamentary election, cementing his grip on power. Provisional results show the People’s National Congress (PNC) won 66 seats in the 93-member house. Analysts view the victory as strong backing for Mr Muizzu’s policy to achieve close ties with China. Mr Muizzu, who is widely seen as pro-China, wants to reduce India’s longstanding influence in his country. Local media have described the PNC’s win, which will be ratified in several days’ time, as a “super majority”. It has achieved the two-thirds in parliament that is required to amend the…