Author: Lester Holt
Lester Holt
Lester Holt is a freelance journalist based in the USA, with over 25 years of experience reporting on Politics, World Affairs, Business, Health, Technology, Finance, Lifestyle, and Culture. He earned his degree in Journalism from California State University, Sacramento. Throughout his career, he has contributed to outlets such as NBC News, MSNBC, and The New York Times. Known for his clear reporting and insightful storytelling, Lester delivers accurate and timely news that keeps readers informed on national and global developments.
Authorities Describe Widespread Trafficking NetworkFlor Bressers, a Belgian national, appeared in a Brussels courtroom this week facing charges of heading a major cocaine-smuggling operation. Prosecutors claim he earned approximately €230m from ten shipments, while co-defendant Sérgio Roberto de Carvalho, from Brazil, is said to have made close to €200m. Officials assert that the 30 defendants on trial collectively gained around €500m through the network. 2020 Rotterdam Seizure Sparks InvestigationThe legal case originates from a 2020 discovery in Rotterdam, when customs officers uncovered 3.2 tonnes of cocaine hidden inside manganese ore. Authorities argue the interception revealed a sophisticated trafficking network moving…
Romanian authorities have confirmed that an unmanned aerial vehicle entered their airspace during Russian attacks on Ukraine, prompting a NATO response. Meanwhile, Poland increased its air patrols and activated defense systems along its eastern border. Drone Incursion Over Southeastern Romania The Defence Ministry in Bucharest reported that a drone flew about 10 kilometers into Romanian territory before disappearing from radar near Chilia Veche in the Danube Delta. Officials stated that the aircraft maintained a low altitude and avoided crossing populated areas. In response, Romania scrambled two F-16 fighter jets, with NATO Eurofighters assisting in the operation. Residents of Tulcea County…
Warsaw, September 13, 2025 — Poland has deployed around 40,000 soldiers to its eastern border in response to the commencement of Zapad-2025, a large-scale joint exercise by Russia and Belarus. The drills, taking place near NATO’s frontier, have led Warsaw to implement heightened security measures. Border Closures in Effect The government announced that several road and rail crossings with Belarus will be closed from midnight. Officials said the restrictions are a precaution to safeguard the nation while the exercises are underway, characterizing the maneuvers as an assertive demonstration of military capability by Moscow and Minsk. Objectives of Zapad-2025 Belarusian and…
WARSAW, Poland — Poland’s air force confirmed Wednesday that several Russian drones were intercepted and destroyed after entering the country’s airspace during nighttime attacks on Ukraine. Authorities said 19 drones crossed into Polish territory late Tuesday into early Wednesday. F-16 fighters, operating with NATO support, shot down at least eight of them. Debris was scattered across multiple areas, including the village of Wyryki-Kolonia, where one drone struck a residential building. No injuries were reported. Prime Minister Donald Tusk condemned the incident as an aggressive act and requested immediate consultations with NATO under Article 4. During the operation, flights at key…
Donald Trump has launched a global trade war without formal approval from Congress, raising tariffs sharply and threatening world markets. His administration claims broad authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), citing a “national emergency” over trade imbalances. Critics argue this exceeds presidential power and may harm the U.S. economy. In April, Trump cited “lack of reciprocity in trade, disparate tariff rates, and non-tariff barriers” as threats to U.S. security and the economy. Using IEEPA, he increased average tariffs from 1.5% to 19.4%, according to the Tax Foundation. These rates now rival those in some of the world’s…
US President Donald Trump has blamed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for ordering an attack on Qatar, saying the United States had insufficient time to prevent the strike. Trump addressed the incident in a statement on his social media platform, referring to Israel’s strike on a Hamas delegation in Qatar. He said the action was unilateral and criticized its impact on US and Israeli interests. “Unilaterally bombing inside Qatar, a sovereign nation and close US ally working bravely to broker peace, does not advance Israel or America’s goals,” Trump said. He stressed that the attack was Netanyahu’s decision, not his…
Allies coordinate economic measures to curb Moscow’s financial and energy capabilities WASHINGTON, Sept 9 — In response to a sharp increase in Russian military strikes on Ukraine, officials from the United States and European Union met in Washington to plan an expanded sanctions campaign. The talks focused on aligning efforts to reduce Moscow’s revenue streams and constrain its ability to fund military operations. The meeting, held at the U.S. Treasury Department, brought together Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and EU Sanctions Envoy David O’Sullivan. Delegates discussed broadening restrictions on Russian oil exports and refining operations, critical sources of Kremlin income, while…
Lower court injunction overturnedThe Supreme Court has sided with the Trump administration, allowing federal immigration authorities to continue enforcement raids in Southern California that had previously been blocked. The decision overturns a July 11 injunction issued by U.S. District Judge Maame Frimpong, who had found that the government’s actions likely violated the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. Lawsuit alleges profiling and aggressive tacticsThe legal challenge contended that masked, heavily armed federal agents targeted people based on race, ethnicity, or the way they spoke, with some describing the encounters as sudden and forceful, akin to kidnappings. One…
Mitsotakis announces broad support for families and youth Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has introduced a €1.6 billion initiative aimed at slowing Greece’s shrinking population. Addressing the Thessaloniki International Fair, he said the plan is designed to relieve the financial burden on households and encourage young citizens to stay in the country. Set to take effect in 2026, the program includes wide-ranging income tax cuts, targeted aid for larger families, property tax reductions in rural and island regions, and extra assistance for pensioners and low-income households. Birth rates drop to record lows The government’s move comes amid mounting demographic pressures. The…
Commission Accuses Company of Anti-Competitive Conduct The European Commission has penalized Google €2.95 billion, determining that the company exploited its dominant position in online advertising. Regulators said Google prioritized its own ad exchange and publisher platforms, limiting competition and narrowing options for advertisers and media organizations. 60-Day Deadline to Propose Changes Brussels has given Google two months to submit a plan to end the practices identified. Officials warned that if the proposals are deemed insufficient, stronger enforcement measures—including the possible separation of parts of Google’s advertising operations—could follow. Google stated it will appeal the ruling, insisting its tools provide benefits…