This is how Sofonie Dala looked when she was 18 years old - The blue dress

 

King Charles III to Address U.S. Congress: Second British Monarch to Do So

 

King Charles III to Address U.S. Congress: Second British Monarch to Do So

King Charles III will deliver a speech before both chambers of the U.S. Congress during his visit to the United States at the end of April, Buckingham Palace announced. The address is scheduled for April 28, according to House Speaker Mike Johnson.

The last time a British monarch spoke before Congress was in 1991, when Queen Elizabeth II, Charles’s mother, gave an address at the Capitol.

Marking 250 Years of U.S. Independence

Charles III’s state visit, from April 27 to 30, will commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence. It comes amid tensions between Washington and London over the war in the Middle East. Some British politicians even called for the trip to be canceled.

Buckingham Palace stated: “This visit will be an opportunity to highlight the shared history of our two nations, the breadth of our relationship, and the deep ties that unite our peoples.”

Criticism from Trump

Despite the historically “special” relationship between the two countries, President Donald Trump has recently intensified criticism of the U.K., particularly of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, accusing him of failing to support the U.S.-Israel offensive against Iran.

Starmer defended the timing of the royal visit, saying in Parliament: “The relationship between our two countries is very important in many respects, and often, thanks to the ties it forges, the monarchy can overcome a situation like this.”

Trump, known for his admiration of the British royal family, has made two state visits to the U.K., the most recent in September. In March, he expressed delight at the “wonderful” prospect of hosting the King.

Epstein Case Shadows the Visit

The trip also coincides with fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein case. In February, Charles’s brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was detained on suspicion of passing confidential information to Epstein, the disgraced financier who died in 2019.

Virginia Giuffre’s family, the main accuser of Epstein, requested that Charles meet victims during his U.S. visit. However, Buckingham Palace’s program does not include such a meeting. A royal source told AP this would be “impossible,” arguing it could interfere with ongoing investigations or due process.

Visit Program

According to Buckingham Palace, King Charles and Queen Camilla will be welcomed in Washington by Donald and Melania Trump at a private tea reception, followed by a garden party. The state visit will also feature a military ceremony, a meeting with the U.S. President, and a gala dinner at the White House.

Charles and Camilla will then travel to New York to pay tribute to the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks, and later to Virginia. The trip will conclude with a visit to Bermuda, a British Overseas Territory, until May 2.

Sofonie’s Joyful Easter Abroad

Sofonie’s Joyful Easter Abroad

In 2025, Sofonie Dala from Angola celebrated Easter in the United Kingdom. Walking through the historic streets of York, she felt the joy of experiencing traditions in a new city. The atmosphere, the people, and the celebration brought her happiness and unforgettable memories.

Linking to SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities

Her Easter journey shows how cultural tourism can make cities vibrant and inclusive:

• Tourism and Heritage: Celebrating in York highlights the importance of preserving historic streets and cultural traditions.
• Community Spirit: Festivals like Easter bring people together, strengthening bonds across cultures.
• Sustainable Cities: Responsible tourism ensures that future generations can enjoy these experiences too.

Sofonie’s joy reminds us that sustainable cities are not only about infrastructure—they are about people, culture, and shared celebrations.

From Music Icons to Movie Stars—Your VIP Pass to the World of Fame

A Virtual Grand Finale at Madame Tussauds London

🎥 Here’s the complete video showing everything you’ll discover inside Madame Tussauds. Don’t miss it—it’s all free, and it’s an experience you’ll want to replay again and again!

Step Into the World of Legends

Greetings, my friends! Sofonie Dala here with you. The waiting is over—join me for this grand finale on a virtual journey through the dazzling halls of Madame Tussauds London.

✨ Have you ever imagined the thrill of taking a selfie with your favorite singers and Hollywood stars—without security guards or crowds blocking your way? At Madame Tussauds, you’ll step right into the show of the stars.

📸 Capture unforgettable selfies and videos with legendary artists, including icons who have passed on, like Bob Marley and Amy Winehouse.

GALLERY

Have you ever taken a picture with Nicole Kidman, Madonna, Vin Diesel, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio—and countless other superstars all in one place?

Macron Criticizes Trump for Weakening NATO, Accuses Him of Starting a War That Fails to Solve Nuclear Issue

 

Macron Criticizes Trump for Weakening NATO, Accuses Him of Starting a War That Fails to Solve Nuclear Issue

French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking in Seoul during a state visit on Thursday, sharply criticized U.S. President Donald Trump, accusing him of undermining NATO and launching a war against Iran that does not resolve the country’s nuclear program.

Macron said Trump was “hollowing out” NATO by casting daily doubts on Washington’s commitment to the alliance. “It is a responsibility that U.S. authorities are assuming today by saying every morning: ‘We will do this, we won’t do that,’ or something of the sort,” Macron remarked. “Everyone needs stability, calm, a return to peace. This is not a spectacle.”

The French leader stressed that “seriousness” is required both in relation to NATO and the Middle East conflict. “When you want to be serious, you don’t contradict yourself every day,” he added, criticizing Trump’s communication strategy.

Trump’s NATO Threats

Trump has intensified threats to withdraw the United States from NATO, describing the alliance as a “paper tiger” and accusing allies of abandoning Washington by refusing to help secure the Strait of Hormuz. He argued that the U.S. has spent “trillions” on NATO without sufficient return, criticizing members for failing to meet defense spending targets and even suggesting an increase to 5%.

The U.S. remains the only NATO country to have invoked Article 5 — the collective defense clause — after the September 11 attacks. Yet Trump has warned allies to secure their own oil supplies, hinting that America may choose between staying in NATO or controlling parts of Greenland.

Macron on the Iran Conflict

Macron also condemned the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran, insisting it does not provide a lasting solution to Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. “It is not a targeted military action, even for a few weeks, that will allow a durable resolution of the nuclear issue,” he said. Without a framework for diplomatic and technical negotiations, Macron warned, the situation could deteriorate again within months or years.

“Only through deep negotiations, an agreement, can we ensure long-term monitoring and preserve peace and stability for all,” he argued.

Background

On February 28, U.S. and Israeli forces launched strikes on Iranian nuclear and missile infrastructure, claiming the need to eliminate Tehran’s capabilities. The nuclear issue has long strained relations: in 2015, Iran agreed to severe restrictions on its program in exchange for sanctions relief. In 2018, Trump withdrew the U.S. from the deal, reimposing sanctions to cut Iran’s oil exports to zero.

In response, Iran began exceeding uranium enrichment limits and restricting inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency. Trump later claimed Iran’s nuclear capabilities had been “obliterated” following a joint offensive with Israel in June 2025.

Spanish Football Federation Condemns Discriminatory Chants During Friendly Against Egypt

 

Spanish Football Federation Condemns Discriminatory Chants During Friendly Against Egypt

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has strongly condemned discriminatory chants heard during Spain’s 0-0 friendly draw with Egypt at Espanyol’s RCDE Stadium, after an incident in Barcelona sparked widespread reactions from officials, players, and observers.

Chants Emerge Early in the Match

Problems began within minutes of kickoff, when sections of the home crowd were heard chanting: “bote, bote, bote, musulmán el que no bote” — a phrase targeting Muslims. Groups of fans repeated the chant while jumping in unison, quickly raising concerns over its discriminatory nature. What was meant to be a routine international friendly was overshadowed by the behavior in the stands.

Stadium Warning Ignored

Authorities attempted to intervene before halftime, displaying a message on stadium screens and broadcasting over the PA system that Spanish law prohibits “violent, xenophobic, homophobic, or racist acts.” The warning was met with whistles and jeers, and the chant resurfaced early in the second half, highlighting the difficulty of controlling large crowds once incidents escalate.

Federation and Coach Respond Firmly

The RFEF issued a statement, cited by The Athletic, condemning the chants and instructing stadium officials to broadcast messages rejecting all forms of violence and discrimination. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente also delivered a strong response: “It is intolerable. Violent people use football to create space for themselves. They must be removed from society, identified, and kept as far away as possible.”

Players Express Shock and Frustration

Members of the Spanish squad voiced their dismay. Barcelona midfielder Pedri said the locker room was “in shock” over the chants: “We do not agree with any kind of racist chant. We didn’t expect this. Everyone must work together to prevent this from happening in stadiums.” Goalkeeper Joan García echoed the sentiment: “Any discriminatory message, whatever it may be… we are totally against it.”

Impact on Lamine Yamal

The incident may have had a direct impact on 18-year-old forward Lamine Yamal, who is Muslim and started the match. According to Spanish outlet Cadena SER, Yamal left the stadium accompanied by security after being substituted at halftime, without greeting fans. While no official statement was issued, reports drew attention to how such incidents can personally affect players targeted by discriminatory behavior.

Ongoing Concerns Over Discrimination in Football

The episode is likely to intensify debate over the effectiveness of anti-discrimination measures in Spanish and European football. Despite stricter rules and stadium protocols introduced in recent years, incidents continue to occur. For the federation and players, the events in Barcelona serve as a reminder that tackling discriminatory behavior remains a constant challenge — one that extends beyond the pitch and into the stands.

Sources: The Athletic, Spanish media

Oil Prices Surge After Trump Vows to Continue War and Threatens Strikes on Iranian Power Plants

 

Oil Prices Surge After Trump Vows to Continue War and Threatens Strikes on Iranian Power Plants

U.S. President Donald J. Trump delivered a televised address to the nation on Wednesday regarding the ongoing conflict with Iran. The speech, broadcast live, failed to calm energy markets already rattled by the war, with oil prices climbing sharply in the minutes following his remarks.

Brent crude, the global benchmark, jumped more than 4% to above $105 per barrel after Trump pledged to extend the conflict for several more weeks and renewed threats to bomb Iranian power stations if Tehran refuses to meet his demands. West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the U.S. benchmark, rose over 3%, trading above $103 per barrel.

The war, now more than a month old, has effectively shut down the Strait of Hormuz — a critical waterway that carries about 20% of the world’s oil supply. The closure has triggered a global energy crisis, driving crude prices higher and pushing U.S. gasoline costs above $4 per gallon.

Despite the turmoil, Trump downplayed the impact in his speech, insisting that the United States does not “need” the strait and suggesting that restoring access should be the responsibility of American allies.

The immediate market reaction drew sarcastic commentary from conservative pundit Ann Coulter, who posted a screenshot of surging oil futures on X, writing: “Trump’s magnificent speech had results! Well done, Mr. President!”

U.S. stock markets also signaled unease, with Dow Jones and S&P 500 futures slipping in after-hours trading.