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Trump Says He Is Removing Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook

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Trump Says He Is Removing Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook

WASHINGTON (BN24) — President Donald Trump announced Monday that he has removed Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, a move that marks an unprecedented escalation of his clash with the U.S. central bank and sets the stage for a potential legal showdown that could reach the Supreme Court.

In a letter posted to his Truth Social account, Trump cited his constitutional authority and provisions of the Federal Reserve Act of 1913 in dismissing Cook. “You are hereby removed from your position on the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve, effective immediately,” the president wrote.

The decision injects uncertainty into the Federal Reserve’s independence. Under the Federal Reserve Act, presidents can only remove governors “for cause,” a term traditionally interpreted as severe misconduct or inability to serve. Legal experts say Trump’s unilateral firing will almost certainly be challenged in court, raising questions about executive power and the limits of presidential authority over the Fed.

Cook, a Biden appointee who joined the board in 2022, has been accused by the Trump administration of mortgage fraud. The allegations surfaced after Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte — a vocal critic of Fed Chairman Jerome Powell — publicly claimed on Aug. 20 that Cook declared two different properties as her primary residence at the same time. Pulte referred the matter to the Justice Department, which has launched an inquiry led by U.S. Pardon Attorney Ed Martin, according to reporting from POLITICO.

Trump seized on the accusations, demanding Cook’s resignation in a series of social media posts. “Cook must resign, now!!!” he wrote after Pulte’s claims became public. Cook rejected the pressure, stating she had “no intention of being bullied to step down from my position because of some questions raised in a tweet.”

Two days later, Trump vowed to remove her if she did not resign. “What she did was bad,” the president told reporters on Aug. 22. His order to terminate her tenure now sets in motion a constitutional test that could alter the balance between the White House and the central bank.

If courts uphold the dismissal, Trump will gain the ability to nominate Cook’s replacement, further reshaping the Fed’s seven-member board, where governors serve 14-year terms. Two of the current governors, Christopher Waller and Michelle Bowman, were appointed by Trump. Another vacancy opened earlier this year when Adriana Kugler resigned abruptly, and Trump has already nominated Stephen Miran, chair of the Council of Economic Advisors, to fill the seat.

The removal of Cook intensifies concerns about the central bank’s independence, which has already come under heavy strain during Trump’s presidency. He has repeatedly criticized Powell and the Fed for not lowering short-term interest rates, even threatening to fire Powell before his term as chair ends next year.

At the Fed’s annual symposium in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, on Aug. 22, Powell signaled that conditions “may warrant” rate cuts in the months ahead but stressed that the central bank would proceed “carefully.”

Trump’s move to oust Cook represents the boldest challenge yet to the Fed’s autonomy, with profound implications for the U.S. economy and the separation of powers.

Trump Threatens New Tariffs on China Over Magnet Dispute

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Trump Threatens New Tariffs on China Over Magnet Dispute

WASHINGTON (BN24) — President Donald Trump on Monday threatened to impose new tariffs on China over its control of magnets, escalating trade tensions even as a 90-day pause on tariff increases remains in place ahead of negotiations between the world’s two largest economies.

Speaking to reporters, Trump warned that Beijing must increase shipments of magnets to the United States or face steep penalties. “We have to charge them 200 percent tariff or something,” he said.

The remarks highlight the growing importance of rare earth elements, especially magnets, which are essential for manufacturing semiconductor chips and other high-tech products. China dominates the global magnet market, accounting for about 90 percent of supply.

In April, Beijing expanded its export restriction list to include several rare earth items and magnets, a move widely seen as retaliation for Washington’s earlier tariff hikes. The restrictions have heightened global concerns over supply chains tied to critical technologies, including smartphones and advanced electronics.

The dispute comes as the U.S. deepens its involvement in the semiconductor industry. Earlier this month, Washington announced it had secured a 10 percent stake in Intel, one of the world’s leading chipmakers reliant on rare earth inputs.

Despite tensions, Chinese exports of rare earth minerals rose sharply in July, with customs data showing imports of rare earth ore increasing by more than 4,700 tons compared to the previous month.

Trump’s latest comments mark a sharp shift after earlier signs of easing tensions. Just weeks ago, he signed an executive order extending a 90-day freeze on tariff increases to allow more time for talks. Without the extension, tariffs on Chinese goods would have surged to 145 percent. In May, both sides agreed to a 30 percent U.S. tariff rate, scaling down from 125 percent to 10 percent as part of temporary measures.

The looming standoff over magnets underscores the fragility of trade relations, with both Washington and Beijing signaling readiness to harden their positions despite ongoing negotiations.

Families Reunited as Venezuela Frees Prisoners After Bloody Election Crackdown

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Families Reunited as Venezuela Frees Prisoners After Bloody Election Crackdown

CARACAS, Venezuela (BN24) — Venezuelan opposition leaders said Sunday that the government of President Nicolás Maduro released 13 people detained in a sweeping crackdown following last year’s disputed presidential elections, though authorities have yet to confirm the move.

Henrique Capriles, a prominent opposition leader, celebrated the releases on social media, calling the decision “a step forward for those behind bars.” Capriles said eight people were freed outright, while another five were granted house arrest.

“Today, several families have been reunited with their loved ones. We know that many remain, and we will not forget them; we continue fighting for them all,” Capriles wrote in a message posted to X, sharing a video of one of the detainees embracing relatives.

The development comes more than a year after Venezuela was rocked by turmoil in the wake of the July presidential elections. Electoral officials declared Maduro the victor but refused to release key voting records known as actas, fueling widespread accusations of fraud. International governments and opposition leaders rejected the results, triggering weeks of violent unrest that left 28 people dead, 220 injured, and at least 2,000 detained, according to official tallies.

The Caracas-based Committee for the Freedom of Political Prisoners said the 13 releases resulted from pressure applied by victims’ families, civic groups, and international organizations. The group noted that detainees endured “physical and psychological deterioration,” with many returning home bearing “open wounds.” It added that roughly 1,000 people remain in custody for political reasons, though other human rights groups estimate a somewhat lower figure.

Maduro’s government has consistently denied holding political prisoners, asserting instead that those detained are involved in alleged plots to destabilize the country.

The reported releases come just weeks after a controversial international exchange. In late July, Maduro’s government freed 10 jailed Americans as part of a deal with the United States and El Salvador, which had detained some 200 Venezuelans in prison conditions meant for gang members. Following that deal, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said additional Venezuelan political detainees had also been released.

Trump Declares War on Flag Burning With New Executive Order

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Trump Declares War on Flag Burning With New Executive Order

WASHINGTON (BN24) — President Donald Trump on Monday signed an executive order directing federal prosecutors to pursue criminal charges against individuals who burn American flags during protests, reigniting a decades-long constitutional debate over freedom of expression.

The order instructs Attorney General Pam Bondi to review incidents of flag burning and determine whether individuals can be prosecuted under existing statutes, such as disturbing the peace or environmental violations. By doing so, Trump is attempting to circumvent the landmark 1989 Supreme Court ruling in Texas v. Johnson, where the court ruled 5-4 that flag burning constitutes protected political expression under the First Amendment. That decision struck down laws banning flag desecration in 48 states.

“All over the country they’re burning flags,” Trump said from the Oval Office as he signed the order. “All over the world they burn the American flag, and as you know, through a very sad court — I guess it was a 5-4 decision — they called it freedom of speech.”

Although Trump asserted during the signing that flag burning should be punished with a one-year jail term, the order itself does not specify criminal penalties. Instead, it emphasizes exploring possible legal avenues for prosecution.

Trump has repeatedly pushed to criminalize flag desecration. In 2016, he posted on social media that “nobody should be allowed to burn the American flag — if they do, there must be consequences — perhaps loss of citizenship or year in jail.”

Public opinion on the issue has shifted over time. A 2020 YouGov poll showed nearly half of Americans supported making flag destruction illegal, while one-third believed it should remain protected speech. A follow-up survey in September 2023 found 59% of Americans now consider burning the U.S. flag during protests to be “always unacceptable.”

The executive order is expected to face swift legal challenges, with constitutional scholars noting that any attempt to criminalize flag burning would likely collide with the Supreme Court’s standing precedent.

Armed Robbers Storm Mpumalanga Church, Rob Congregants During Sunday Service in South Africa

Simeon Bateren
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Armed Robbers Storm Mpumalanga Church, Rob Congregants During Sunday Service in South Africa

MKHUHLU, South Africa (BN24) — Police in Mpumalanga have launched a manhunt for three armed suspects who stormed a church during a Sunday service in Mkhuhlu, Calcutta, robbing congregants at gunpoint and fleeing in a stolen vehicle.

According to police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, the gunmen entered the church while a service was underway on the morning of August 24. Witnesses say the suspects fired shots inside the building before ordering worshippers to lie face down.

Armed with firearms, the men allegedly demanded cellphones, cash, and car keys from churchgoers. They then escaped in a white Volkswagen Polo taken from one of the victims. No injuries were reported, though authorities recovered several spent cartridges from the church floor.

“The suspects, armed with firearms, instructed everyone to lie down. They then robbed the congregants of their cellphones, cash, and car keys,” said Ndubane. “At this stage, no arrests have been made, and the investigation continues.”

The brazen attack has prompted outrage from law enforcement. Acting provincial police commissioner Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi condemned the robbery, calling it a troubling sign of rising violent crime in spaces traditionally considered safe.

“It is deeply concerning that criminals now boldly target places of worship, which should be sanctuaries of peace and safety,” Mkhwanazi said.

Police have issued a public appeal for assistance in tracking down the perpetrators. Anyone with information is urged to contact Lieutenant Colonel Skhumbuzo Ceko at 082 922 9902, the SAPS Crime Stop line at 08600 10111, or submit tips via the MySAPS App. Authorities emphasized that all information will be handled confidentially and callers may remain anonymous.

Police Investigate Broad-Daylight Robbery Caught on Camera at Mahikeng Intersection in South Africa

Simeon Bateren
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Police Investigate Broad-Daylight Robbery Caught on Camera at Mahikeng Intersection in South Africa

MAHIKENG, South Africa (BN24) — North West police have launched an investigation into a brazen armed robbery in broad daylight after video footage of the incident surfaced on social media, showing two suspects holding a motorist at gunpoint at a busy intersection.

The incident occurred on the afternoon of Thursday, August 21, at the intersection of Bray Road and Unit 13 in Mahikeng. The video, which has since gone viral, shows two men confronting the driver of a white Toyota Fortuner, demanding cash while threatening him with firearms.

Authorities confirmed that a substantial amount of money was stolen during the robbery, which unfolded in full view of passing traffic. The footage, captured by a bystander, has sparked outrage and concern about the increasing boldness of armed criminals operating in public spaces.

Acting North West police commissioner Major-General Patrick Asaneng condemned the crime and called on the public to assist law enforcement in tracking down the suspects. He said the widely circulated video makes it likely that someone may have valuable information.

“Please assist the police and do not allow these dangerous rascals to escape arrest. Keeping quiet will only benefit and embolden armed criminals, who must be stopped before they injure or kill innocent people,” Asaneng said.

He further stated that investigators believe the robbery may have been premeditated, given how targeted and coordinated the suspects appeared. Police have pledged to protect the identities of informants and treat all tip-offs confidentially. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact Lieutenant Colonel Ompolokile Letebele at 082 416 3749 or Detective Sergeant Pitso Kgetsana at 079 897 1858. Tip-offs can also be submitted anonymously via the SAPS Crime Stop line at 08600 10111 or through the MySAPS App

DRC Peace Agreements Face Critical Test as International Pressure Remains Key to Lasting Stability

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DRC Peace Agreements Face Critical Test as International Pressure Remains Key to Lasting Stability

KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of the Congo (BN24) — As the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) grapples with one of Africa’s most complex and enduring conflicts, two recently signed peace agreements signal a diplomatic breakthrough. However, analysts warn that without sustained international pressure, the fragile progress could unravel, echoing the failures of past peace efforts.

The Washington Agreement, signed in June between Rwanda and the DRC, and the Doha Declaration of Principles, signed in July between the Congolese government and the M23 rebel group, represent coordinated moves to ease tensions in eastern Congo. Facilitated by the United States and Qatar respectively, the agreements aim to align regional and internal tracks toward a durable peace. Yet observers say that credible implementation and the careful management of political narratives are critical to avoiding another breakdown.

The Washington Agreement reflects a rare political understanding between Kigali and Kinshasa — two countries at the epicenter of the ongoing crisis. Both sides have long traded accusations of supporting proxy militias, contributing to the region’s instability. The accord not only commits each government to de-escalation and ending support for armed groups but also establishes a framework for future security cooperation. It calls for mutual respect of sovereignty and a reliance on third-party mediation to guarantee compliance.

Meanwhile, the Doha Declaration lays out a detailed path toward a comprehensive peace deal with the M23 insurgency. The seven-point framework includes a permanent ceasefire, restoration of government authority, return of displaced civilians, and post-conflict reintegration. It prohibits hostile propaganda, territorial gains by force, and outlines specific steps for building trust, including the release of detainees and the establishment of oversight mechanisms.

What distinguishes these two agreements from past efforts is the emphasis on sequencing and synchronized timelines. The Doha roadmap contains explicit deadlines for initiating direct negotiations and implementing key measures. In parallel, the Washington Agreement is designed to complement this domestic peace track, acknowledging that regional alignment is essential for progress on the ground.

Both documents also elevate the role of external guarantors. The U.S. and Qatar are positioned as key facilitators, while the African Union and the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) are reaffirmed as multilateral anchors. The involvement of both Western and non-Western actors reflects a growing shift toward inclusive peace-building frameworks.

Studies on conflict resolution underscore the importance of joint mediation, suggesting that coalitions of external actors increase the legitimacy, durability, and enforceability of peace agreements. By combining resources, leverage, and normative credibility, these actors can help neutralize spoilers and keep parties accountable.

Still, the road ahead is fraught with uncertainty. A legacy of broken promises, stalled processes, and manipulated accords haunts the DRC’s history. Many previous deals — from Nairobi to Luanda — have failed due to lack of political will, with parties using negotiations to gain time or international favor, rather than commit to real change.

Both the Washington and Doha frameworks remain vulnerable to these same risks. Delays, mistrust, and political posturing could easily derail implementation, especially in the absence of robust monitoring and sustained diplomatic engagement. Experts agree that for these peace initiatives to succeed, the international community must maintain relentless pressure. Without it, the cycle of violence in eastern Congo may continue — and hopes for a lasting peace may again be deferred

Israel Security Cabinet to Meet Tuesday on Gaza Ceasefire

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Israel Security Cabinet to Meet Tuesday on Gaza Ceasefire

JERUSALEM (BN24) — Israel’s security cabinet is set to meet Tuesday evening in Jerusalem, a spokesperson for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed, as momentum builds toward restarting negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages held by Hamas.

While no formal agenda has been disclosed, local Israeli media have widely reported that the meeting will focus on renewed diplomatic efforts to reach a deal that would halt fighting and bring back the remaining Israeli captives.

Responding to a request from Agence France-Presse on Monday, Netanyahu’s spokesman, Omer Mantzour, declined to provide specific details about the cabinet’s upcoming discussions.

The cabinet meeting follows a key decision earlier this month, when Israel’s top leadership approved a plan for the military to take control of Gaza City. That operation marked a shift toward expanded ground operations amid the prolonged conflict, but the government now appears to be reengaging with ceasefire diplomacy under international pressure.

Last Thursday, Netanyahu instructed Israeli negotiators to begin immediate talks focused on securing the release of all hostages still being held in Gaza, signaling a possible turn back to diplomatic channels. The directive came shortly after Hamas announced it had accepted a new ceasefire framework proposed by international mediators, which includes a phased 60-day truce and an exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.

The renewed push for negotiations comes amid mounting public pressure from hostage families and international allies calling for a diplomatic resolution to the crisis, which erupted after the Hamas-led attack on October 7 that triggered the war.

Shock Arrest: Lil Nas X Hit With Felony Charges After Naked Confrontation in Los Angeles

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Shock Arrest: Lil Nas X Hit With Felony Charges After Naked Confrontation in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES (BN24) — Rapper and singer Lil Nas X was charged Monday with four felony counts after Los Angeles police said he attacked officers who confronted him while he was walking naked along a busy street in Studio City last week.

Prosecutors filed three counts of battery with injury on a police officer and one felony count of resisting an executive officer against the 26-year-old musician, whose legal name is Montero Lamar Hill, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. He was initially booked Friday on suspicion of misdemeanor obstruction before prosecutors escalated the charges.

Authorities said officers encountered Lil Nas X shortly before 6 a.m. Friday on Ventura Boulevard, a major thoroughfare in Los Angeles. Police said he charged at them when they attempted to intervene, leading to his arrest. Believing he may have overdosed, officers transported him to a hospital, where he was treated for several hours before being taken into custody. He has remained in jail since.

An arraignment was scheduled for Monday, but representatives for the musician did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The charges were first reported by TMZ.

Lil Nas X rose to international fame with his 2018 breakout hit “Old Town Road,” which fused country and hip-hop and held the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for a record 19 weeks. His debut studio album Montero, released in 2021, peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard album chart and earned a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year. Known for his bold performances and genre-defying style, he has been a prominent figure in reshaping pop, rap, and country crossovers in mainstream music.

If convicted on the felony charges, the Atlanta-born artist could face several years in state prison.

Trump Pushes for Shock Summit With Kim Jong Un Despite Rising Nuclear Tensions

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Trump Pushes for Shock Summit With Kim Jong Un Despite Rising Nuclear Tensions

WASHINGTON (BN24) — President Donald Trump said Monday he is open to holding another meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, suggesting the two could sit down as early as this year despite years of stalled diplomacy and Pyongyang’s expanding nuclear program.

Trump made the remarks at the White House while hosting newly elected South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. The U.S. president recalled his unprecedented meetings with Kim during his first term, saying the two leaders “got along great” and exchanged what he described as “beautiful” letters.

“I’d like to meet him this year,” Trump told reporters. “We became very friendly, and I think we can do something in that regard. I’d like to help the relationship between the two Koreas.”

Between 2018 and 2019, Trump and Kim held three high-profile summits, including Trump’s symbolic step across the demilitarized zone (DMZ) into North Korea — the first by a sitting American president. On Monday, Trump reminisced about that moment, recalling how “everyone went crazy, especially the Secret Service,” when he crossed the line. “But I loved it,” he added, saying he felt secure because of his rapport with Kim.

Despite the historic encounters, the talks yielded little progress in curbing North Korea’s nuclear ambitions. In March, Trump acknowledged that Pyongyang had firmly established itself as a “nuclear power.”

Since those summits, North Korea has accelerated its weapons development, expanded its ballistic missile program, and strengthened its alliance with Russia by supplying troops and arms for Moscow’s war in Ukraine. In June, Kim pledged to Russian President Vladimir Putin that his country would “always stand with Moscow.”

Even so, the White House said earlier this summer that Trump would welcome communication with Kim. South Korea’s new leader Lee Jae Myung has also promised to reopen dialogue with the North, suspending the use of loudspeakers that previously blasted propaganda across the DMZ.

Analysts caution, however, that restarting diplomacy will be far more difficult than in Trump’s first term, given North Korea’s deepened military capabilities and closer ties with Moscow.

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