Nigerian Afrobeats artist, Skales, recently sparked debate with his comments regarding crime rates in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. In an interview on “Just Vibes,” Skales posited that the perceived lower crime rate in Nigeria is attributable to the fear of extrajudicial punishment. He stated that potential criminals in Nigeria are deterred by the possibility of severe, unsanctioned retribution, a consequence he believes criminals in the UK are less likely to face.

While acknowledging the deterrent effect, Skales explicitly stated he does not support or encourage “jungle justice” due to its inherently extrajudicial nature.

Furthermore, Skales touched upon the definition of Afrobeats, suggesting it functions more as an umbrella term encompassing diverse musical styles rather than a rigidly defined genre. This assertion echoes ongoing discussions within the music industry regarding the boundaries and evolution of the Afrobeats sound.

The United States and Iran are poised to resume talks concerning the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the scheduled meeting, scheduled for Saturday, during a White House cabinet meeting on Thursday.

Secretary Rubio, speaking alongside President Trump, reaffirmed the United States’ firm stance against Iranian nuclear weapons development. He stated, “We’ve been very clear what Iran is never going to have is a nuclear weapon. That’s what led to this meeting.”

The direct talks will be facilitated by Special Envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, representing the US, and a high-ranking Iranian official. The meeting is slated to take place in Oman.

This development arrives amidst ongoing tensions and disagreements regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, has expressed his country’s willingness to engage in discussions aimed at reaching a definitive agreement. The outcome of these talks remains to be seen.

The United States government has confirmed the imminent launch of its highly anticipated “Gold Card” program, slated to commence next week. As revealed by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick during a White House cabinet meeting, this new initiative, championed by the Trump administration, aims to stimulate job creation and reduce the national deficit.

Priced at $5 million, the Gold Card offers affluent investors an expedited route to U.S. citizenship. This program effectively replaces the existing EB-5 immigrant investor visa scheme, established in 1990. While the EB-5 required investments of at least $1 million (or $800,000 in targeted areas) coupled with the creation of ten jobs, the Gold Card simplifies the process for investors with significantly greater capital.

The announcement coincides with statements regarding heightened international interest in trade negotiations with the U.S., suggesting a climate where countries are actively seeking to engage with the nation under revised terms. The impact of the Gold Card program on immigration patterns and the U.S. economy remains to be seen, but its arrival marks a significant shift in the landscape of investment-based immigration.