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September 17 Deadline: Trump Announces Buyer Found for TikTok, Details Pending Amid China Approval

By
Olaoluwa Fabuyi
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0

President Donald Trump has announced that a buyer has been identified for TikTok’s U.S. operations, signaling a potential breakthrough in the long-running saga over the future of the popular video-sharing app.

The announcement, made during a Fox News interview over the weekend, comes after months of legislative pressure, multiple missed deadlines, and international negotiations centered on national security concerns and U.S.-China relations.

Trump stated that the prospective buyers are “a group of very wealthy individuals,” though he declined to disclose their identities, promising to reveal more details “in about two weeks”.

The president noted that any deal would require approval from the Chinese government, expressing confidence that Chinese President Xi Jinping would likely grant it.

“We have a buyer for TikTok, by the way. I believe I will require China’s approval, and I think President Xi will likely grant it,” Trump told Fox News.

The U.S. government, citing concerns that TikTok’s Chinese parent company ByteDance could share American user data with Beijing, enacted legislation in 2024 mandating that TikTok be sold to a non-Chinese entity or face a nationwide ban.

ByteDance has denied the allegations, but the law set an initial deadline of January 19, 2025, for a sale to be completed. Trump has since postponed enforcement of the ban three times, most recently granting ByteDance until September 17 to finalise a deal.

Rumors have swirled about potential buyers, with names such as YouTube personality MrBeast, search engine startup Perplexity AI, and investor Kevin O’Leary reportedly involved in discussions, though none have been confirmed by the White House or ByteDance.

A previous attempt to transfer majority control of TikTok’s U.S. operations to American investors collapsed in April after China signaled its disapproval, following the announcement of new U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports.

TikTok remains widely used in the United States, with an estimated 170 million American users relying on the platform for news, entertainment, and business. The app briefly went dark for 14 hours in January, but has otherwise continued to operate as negotiations and legal challenges unfold.

With the September deadline looming, Trump’s announcement injects new urgency into the process. However, the ultimate fate of TikTok in the U.S. hinges on both the specifics of the deal and the willingness of the Chinese government to approve the sale.

Working #TogetherForBedfordshire to Keep Communities Safe This Summer

By
Deborah Ojuade
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0

As summer brings longer days and busier streets, Bedfordshire Police is stepping up its efforts to keep communities safe through a united, county-wide approach.

Under the banner of #TogetherForBedfordshire, officers are working closely with local councils, community groups, and the police and crime commissioner to tackle seasonal rises in crime and anti-social behaviour.

This partnership-led initiative is focused on increasing visibility, strengthening community ties, and delivering a policing response that reflects the unique needs of each area, from bustling town centres to quiet rural villages.

“We know that town centres can see a rise in offences such as theft, shoplifting and anti-social behaviour during the summer months,” said Chief Superintendent Jaki Whittred, who leads Bedfordshire Police’s Neighbourhood Policing team. “That’s why we’re focusing on a strong, visible presence in these areas, working hand-in-hand with our partners to reassure the public and crack down on the types of criminality that can impact local businesses and residents.”

While town centres remain a key focus, Bedfordshire Police’s commitment extends across the entire county. Community policing teams continue to operate in towns and villages alike, while specialist units such as the Rural Crime Action Team remain dedicated to tackling issues unique to more remote areas.

“Our approach is flexible and intelligence-led,” added Chief Superintendent Whittred. “We recognise that Bedfordshire is a diverse county with both urban and rural challenges. Our resourcing and response will reflect that diversity, ensuring every community feels supported and protected.”

Each summer, Bedfordshire Police prepares for an increase in demand, with anti-social behaviour and retail crime both rising in the warmer months. Additionally, with an increase in calls to our control room, the force is ensuring that its resources are best targeted to areas where we see the greatest increases.

In Bedford town centre, anti-social behaviour increased by more than 20 per cent from July to September compared to April to June last year (73-89 crimes recorded), and in Leighton Buzzard by around 15 per cent (155-176 recorded). In the Bury Park area of Luto, over the same periods, shoplifting more than doubled (51-126 recorded).

The #TogetherForBedfordshire campaign runs throughout the summer, reinforcing the message that safety is a shared responsibility, working together to build stronger, safer communities for everyone.

Bedfordshire Police will be working with teams from the three local authorities and support groups, and networks.

Councillor Steve Owen, Executive Member for Community Safety at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: “As we head into the summer months, we’re proud to be working alongside Bedfordshire Police and our community partners to help keep our towns safe. Through drop-in events, weapons sweeps, business visits and youth engagement, we’re taking a proactive approach to tackling anti-social behaviour and crime. By working #TogetherForBedfordshire, we can make a real difference and ensure our communities feel supported and protected throughout the summer.”

Luton Council’s portfolio holder for community safety, Councillor Maria Lovell, said: “Keeping our communities safe takes genuine partnership and we are working side by side to tackle the issues that matter most to residents.

“Our priority is to ensure that everyone – residents and visitors – feel safe and can enjoy their time when out an about in busy, shopping areas of our town, especially with so many summer events taking place. We can see from the work already being done that this joined-up approach is already making a difference.”

Tom Wootton, Mayor of Bedford Borough, said: “The best way to fight crime and tackle anti-social behaviour is by everyone working together and by listening to our communities. We know that our towns, our borough, and our county are fantastic places to live, work and socialise, and we’re determined to keep them that way.”

Police and Crime Commissioner, John Tizard said: “The Safer Streets Summer Initiative is very important to me as PCC, to our local authority partners and the government. We are strengthening our efforts to build safer communities across Bedfordshire. The approach is intelligence-led and partnership-driven, focusing on visible policing and local authority interventions to reduce crime in communities.

“The initiative supports my ongoing mission to strengthen neighbourhood policing, prioritise prevention, and drive system-wide reform. By working together, Bedfordshire is taking a stand against crime and anti-social behaviour, ensuring that every resident feels safe and protected.”

Criminals Posing as Legitimate Health Insurers, Fraud Investigators to Commit Healthcare Fraud

By
Olaoluwa Fabuyi
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0

The Federal Bureau of Investigation warns the public about criminals impersonating legitimate health insurers and their investigative team members.

These criminals are sending emails and text messages to patients and healthcare providers, disguising them as legitimate communications from trusted healthcare authorities.

The messages are designed to pressure victims into disclosing protected health information, medical records, personal financial details, or providing reimbursements for alleged service overpayments or non-covered services.

Tips to protect yourself

  • Be suspicious of unsolicited messages, emails, texts, and calls requesting personal information.
  • Never click on links that are included in suspicious and/or unsolicited emails.
  • Use strong passwords and enable Multi-Factor Authentication for all accounts.
  • Keep operating system software updated and use antivirus software on all devices.
  • Always contact your health insurance provider directly to verify the legitimacy of any messages before sharing personal or health care information.
“If you believe you have been a victim of a similar fraudulent activity, please report the incident to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov,” said the FBI in a statement. “Be sure to submit as much information as possible about the individual or company, including name, phone number, mailing or physical address, and email address

Suspect Victor Michael Jackson Wanted by Fourth District for Illegal Use of Weapons

By
Deborah Ojuade
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0

The New Orleans Police are seeking the public’s assistance in locating a suspect wanted for the illegal possession of weapons.

Wanted is Victor Michael Jackson (pictured), Black male, height 6’1″, and weight 160 pounds.

According to investigators, around 1:15 a.m. on June 28, 2025, in the 2600 block of General De Gaulle Drive, Victor Michael Jackson and an unknown wanted suspect were involved in an altercation.

During the altercation, the unknown suspect drew a handgun from his waistband and shot Victor Michael Jackson, causing a non-life-threatening wound. Victor Michael Jackson then left the area, obtained a firearm, returned, and fired at least one shot.

A warrant is on file for the arrest of Victor Michael Jackson.

Anyone with information regarding the crime or the location of Victor Michael Jackson is asked to call Fourth District detectives at 504-658-6040 or to anonymously call Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111.

NOPD Nabs Jerroy Johnson Over Fatal Shooting of Ashley Aples

By
Fejiro Anokwuru
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The NOPD announces the arrest of Jerroy Johnson in its investigation of a homicide that occurred on June 22, 2025, in the 5600 block of Morrison Road, as well as for a shooting incident that occurred on June 1, 2025, in the 7200 block of Morrison Road.

Johnson was located and arrested without incident in Slidell, LA, on June 26, 2025, by the U.S. Marshals Service, assisted by the Slidell Police Department and the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office.

At about 2:40 a.m. on June 22, NOPD Seventh District Officers were dispatched to the 5600 block of Morrison Road after a passerby reported observing a male subject down and possibly having sustained gunshot wounds.

Upon arrival, officers determined the subject had been shot and was subsequently declared deceased on the scene. NOPD Homicide Section detectives assumed control of the investigation at that time.

On June 24, the Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office identified the victim as 43-year-old Ashley Aples and determined the preliminary cause of death to be from gunshot-related injuries.

Through the course of investigation, detectives developed two persons of interest sought for questioning – an adult black male and an adult black female. Through coordination with a local ankle monitoring service, detectives positively identified Johnson as the male person of interest.

Additionally, the female subject has been located and is no longer considered a person of interest in this investigation.

In addition to this incident, Johnson was also found to be wanted by NOPD Seventh District detectives in connection with the June 1 aggravated battery by shooting incident.

Upon his arrest on June 26, Johnson was booked into the Slidell City Jail as a fugitive from Orleans Parish on the aggravated battery by shooting arrest warrant. He was additionally booked on the homicide charge upon extradition back to Orleans Parish.

Pictured Suspect Wanted by Third District for Felony Theft

By
Fejiro Anokwuru
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0

The New Orleans Police are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect wanted for felony theft.

According to investigators, at approximately 11:26 p.m. on June 28, 2025, the pictured suspect stole approximately $2,000 from a vending machine at a business located in the 4200 block of Chef Menteur Highway.

Anyone with information regarding the crime or the suspect is asked to call Third District detectives at 504-658-6030 or to anonymously call Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111.

Samuel Tate Berry, Liam Harry Houpis, Nokomis Lee, Andrew James Beason, Eduardo Diaz Guardado, Juniper Perry Weed, Eduardo Diaz Guardado Charged With Assaulting Federal Officers During Protests Against ICE

By
Bola Akinloye
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Six defendants made their first appearances in federal court after committing various offences—including assaulting federal officers and creating a hazard on federal property—during ongoing protest gatherings near a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in South Portland.

Samuel Tate Berry, 29, who has recently resided in Gearhart and Seaside, Oregon, as well as Kelso, Washington, has been charged by criminal complaint with the misdemeanour offences of assaulting a federal officer and failure to comply with official signs and directions.

Juniper Perry Weed, 21, of Jackson, Michigan, has been charged by criminal complaint with the misdemeanour offences of assaulting a federal officer and failure to comply with official signs and directions.

Eduardo Diaz Guardado, 22, of Vancouver, Washington, has been charged by criminal complaint with the misdemeanour offence of assaulting a federal officer.

Andrew James Beason, 53, of Beaverton, Oregon, has been charged by information with the misdemeanour offence of failing to obey a lawful order.

Nokomis Lee, 22, of Grand Ronde, Oregon, has been charged by information with the misdemeanour offence of failing to obey a lawful order.

Liam Harry Houpis, 22, also of Vancouver, has been charged by information with the misdemeanour offence of creating a hazard on federal property.

According to court documents and information shared in court, on June 18, 2025, several hundred people gathered near an ICE office in South Portland where, for more than week, individuals have repeatedly targeted the building and various federal law enforcement officers with mortar fireworks, rocks, bricks, glass bottles, signs, and makeshift shields.

At approximately 6:38 p.m., federal officers on site were informed that six official vehicles were en route and needed to enter the property via a vehicle gate blocked by the crowd.

After issuing warnings and asking the group to move, federal officers opened the vehicle gate and advanced on the crowd to clear the driveway for the arriving vehicles. Defendants Berry and Weed failed to comply with the officers’ directions and, while being placed under arrest, assaulted officers.

Later that same evening, a crowd again blocked the building’s vehicle gate, and after being warned a second time, they were cleared to allow law enforcement vehicles to exit the property. During this second clearing, at approximately 10:55 p.m., defendants Beason and Lee failed to obey lawful orders issued by law enforcement.

A fifth defendant, Guardado, was observed possessing a high-powered laser pointer that he pointed at a federal officer, striking the officer in the eye and temporarily blinding him.

The following evening, on June 19, 2025, several dozen individuals again gathered at the South Portland ICE office, when, at approximately 10:20 p.m., defendant Houpis was observed using a drill and screws on plywood doors affixed to the building’s exterior in an attempt to prevent federal officers from exiting the building.

All six defendants made their first appearances in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge and were released on conditions pending future court proceedings.

Misdemeanour assault of a federal officer is punishable by up to one year in federal prison.

Failure to obey a lawful order, failure to comply with official signs and directions, and creating a hazard on federal property are all Class C misdemeanours and carry a maximum penalty of 30 days in prison.

Buffalo Man Alphonso Payne Convicted of Murdering Federal Informant; Faces Life Imprisonment

By
Deborah Ojuade
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0

A federal jury has found Alphonso Payne, aka Ajay, 29, of Buffalo, NY, guilty of conspiracy to murder a federal informant, murdering a federal informant, conspiring to possess with intent to distribute and distributing cocaine, possessing with intent to distribute and distributing cocaine, conspiring to retaliate against a federal informant, retaliating against a federal informant, discharge of a firearm in furtherance of crimes of violence and a drug trafficking crime, and discharge of a firearm causing death in furtherance of crimes of violence and a drug trafficking crime.

The charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of life in prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy C. Lynch, Michael J. Adler, and Stacey Jacovetti, who handled the prosecution of the case, stated that between approximately 2016 and August 20, 2019, Payne, co-defendant Gregory Hay, and others conspired to sell cocaine, crack cocaine, and heroin.

The conspiracy began with Hay selling drugs in the Salamanca, NY, area, before moving his operation to the Olean area, where Payne assisted him with selling drugs.

After Gregory Hay’s house was searched on May 7, 2019, by members of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Buffalo Police Department, and illegal firearms were seized, Hay and Payne suspected Joshua Jalovick was a police informant.

In the early evening of July 1, 2019, Payne and Hay lured Jalovick into the backyard of 87 Freund, where Payne used to live. Once Jalovick was in the backyard, Payne shot him multiple times with a semi-automatic pistol in front of multiple witnesses.

Hay then stood over Jalovick and shot him an additional five times with a revolver. Payne and Hay murdered Joshua Jalovick to prevent him from testifying about their alleged drug trafficking crimes and Hay’s firearm crimes.

Gregory Hay was previously convicted of narcotics conspiracy, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, and discharge of a firearm causing death in furtherance of crimes of violence and a drug trafficking crime and is awaiting sentencing.

In addition to defendants Payne and Hay, defendants Daeshawn Stevenson, Raejah Blackwell, Eric Brooks, and Roland Eady were also convicted for their roles in obstructing a grand jury’s investigation into Joshua Jalovick’s murder.

The verdict is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller, New York Field Division, and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Alphonso Wright.

Sentencing is scheduled for October 27, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara, who presided over the trial.

California Man Ammaad Akhtar Charged With Attempting to Provide ISIS Support in Perpetrating Terrorism

By
Fejiro Anokwuru
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0

Ammaad Akhtar, 33, of Stockton, was arrested today and charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organisation.

According to court documents, since February 2025, Akhtar has been communicating online with a law enforcement-controlled individual, whom Akhtar believed was a member of ISIS.

In these conversations, Akhtar voiced his support for ISIS and jihad, expressed a desire to travel overseas to join and fight with ISIS, and stated a desire to send guns and money to ISIS.

In April 2025, during this investigation, Akhtar demonstrated a desire to provide support for ISIS and did so by providing financial funding on multiple occasions. After a few payments, the law enforcement-controlled individual indicated that ISIS had procured several guns with the money Akhtar had sent. In his response, Akhtar said, “May Allah destroy our enemies” and affirmed that he would send more money that same day.

Akhtar also talked about planning acts of violence, including conducting an attack against a specific individual and an attack utilising homemade explosives. He said he “want[s] to die in the cause of Allah fighting the kuffar [infidels]” and asked for instructions on how to make a homemade explosive device in order “to make a boom” at a populated event.

Then, on June 23, 2025, Akhtar met with an individual he believed was an ISIS associate, but who was an undercover employee. Akhtar provided clothing, binoculars, $400 cash, two loaded guns, and six additional magazines. Akhtar then swore bayat (a pledge of loyalty) to ISIS.

If convicted, Akhtar faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Peace Agreement Signing Between Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda

By
TCS TheCrimeScene
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On June 27, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Under Secretary for Political Affairs Allison Hooker, and Senior Advisor Massad Boulos hosted the Ministerial signing of the Peace Agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Republic of Rwanda.

Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner signed on behalf of the Government of the DRC, and Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe signed on behalf of the Government of Rwanda, while Secretary Rubio signed as a witness.

The signing ceremony was attended by African Union Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Togolese Foreign Minister Robert Dussey, on behalf of the African Union, and Qatari Minister of State Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi as observers.

The Ministerial signing of the Peace Agreement marks a historic milestone in the pursuit of peace and prosperity for the DRC, Rwanda, and the broader Great Lakes region of Africa. Building upon the Declaration of Principles signed by both parties on April 25, 2025, the agreement reflects months of sustained negotiations, led by Senior Advisor Boulos.

These discussions addressed longstanding issues of governance, security, and economic integration and laid the foundation for a comprehensive agreement that confronts the root causes of a protracted conflict and supports a sustainable path toward regional peace and stability.

The Peace Agreement entered into force upon signature, and the United States reaffirms its commitment to supporting its full and timely implementation.

In close coordination with the African Union, Qatar, and Togo, the United States will continue to engage both parties to ensure implementation of the obligations laid out in the agreement.

In the coming weeks, we look forward to hosting a Summit of the Heads of State at the White House to further advance peace, stability, and mutual economic prosperity.

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