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Republican senators move to block Somalia terror funding until allies pay ‘fair share’Soldiers guard the entrance of a hotel in Mogadishu, Somalia after a jihadist attackFile footage from 2024 following a siege of the SYL Hotel, where a jihadist group carried out an attack on the building near the presidential palace in Mogadishu, Somalia. (Video: EFE via Reuters Connect.)

China is “evaluating” an offer from the U.S. to hold talks on tariffs, according to a Friday statement from the Chinese Commerce Ministry. This shift in tone could leave the door open for the world’s two largest economies to deescalate the trade war that has left global markets in turmoil.
“The U.S. has recently taken the initiative on many occasions to convey information to China through relevant parties, saying it hopes to talk with China,” the ministry said in a statement, according to a Reuters translation. The ministry also said that Beijing was “evaluating this.”
However, while Beijing appears to be open to negotiations, the Chinese Commerce Ministry warned that it would not be forced into making a bad deal. According to the Reuters translation, the ministry said that “attempting to use talks as a pretext to engage in coercion and extortion would not work.”
TRUMP SAYS CHINA'S XI CALLED HIM AMID ONGOING CONFUSION OVER TRADE TALKS
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Lottery winner celebrates £5.2m win with surprising first purchase

The east London lorry driver quits his job and says despite scooping the jackpot, he shopped around for the best deal on a new vacuum cleaner.

‘I get it’: Starmer responds after losing Runcorn by-election to Nigel Farage’s Reform UK

The prime minister says the result proves Labour needs to go “further” and faster in delivering change for the public.

I Kissed A Girl musician Jill Sobule dies in house fire

Jill Sobule is described as “a force of nature and human rights advocate,” whose “music is woven into our culture”.
Image:
Sobule in 2023. Pic: AP

Cricket bosses ban transgender women from female competitions

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said it believed the changes were “necessary” given last month's ruling by the Supreme Court.

Comedian and actor Russell Brand bailed after appearing in court charged with rape and sexual assault

Russell Brand has made his first court appearance after being charged with rape, sexual assault and indecent assault. He has always denied having non-consensual sex.

The bodyguard of opposition leader Bobi Wine went missing five days ago, leading to fears for his safety.

The bodyguard of opposition leader Bobi Wine went missing five days ago, leading to fears for his safety.

Joshlin Smith’s disappearance last year sent shockwaves across South Africa. She is yet to be found.