Visiting the US is about to get even more expensive for foreign travellers

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By Jeanne Bonner 

Visitors to the US from some of the nation’s closest allies will soon be required to pay higher fees outlined in the Trump administration’s “One Big Beautiful Bill.” Specifically, a hike to the fees associated with the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, which processes travel applications from residents of more than 40 countries that are part of the Visa Waiver Program.

Those countries include the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Israel and most of Europe, as well as a handful of countries in other regions, including Qatar in the Middle East.

Prior to the passage of President Trump’s signature legislation, applicants to the ESTA system, as it’s known, paid $21. Now that mandatory fee will nearly double on September 30 to $40.

It’s one of several fee increases associated with travel to the US from abroad. Travelers arriving through a land border will also see their fees go up with an increase in the I-94 Arrival/Departure Record cost. Right now, travelers required to pay the fee only have to part with $6.
That amount jumps to $30 at the end of the month.

Lastly, travelers from China will be asked to pay a $30 enrollment fee for the Electronic Visa Update System. The September 30 effective date for the fee increases was outlined in a recent notice in the Federal Register.

The increase in fees, combined with the looming $250 “visa integrity fee” for many travelers from non-visa waiver countries, comes at a time when travel to the US from abroad is in a major slump.

Already many Canadians and other international visitors to the US are staying away. The World Travel and Tourism Council projected in May that the United States will lose $12.5 billion in international visitor spending in 2025. It was the only country out of 184 economies analyzed by the council, a global tourism advocacy organization, that will see a decline this year.

The new visa integrity fee has not yet been applied. A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security repeated to CNN that it “requires cross-agency coordination before implementation.”

Houston-based immigration attorney Steven Brown said he didn’t think the increase in fees will be much of a “hindrance” for most travelers. But he said the visa integrity fee is an entirely new thing.

“It will be intriguing to see because lots of questions are out there,” he told a reporter. “So we pay the fee, but how does it get refunded? Who is tracking compliance? How do you prove compliance?”

CNN

Burkina Faso arrests French head of NGO for spying

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By Staff

The French head of an NGO in Burkina Faso specialising in humanitarian safety was arrested in Ouagadougou at the end of July on suspicion of spying, sources said Wednesday, confirming a media report.

Burkina Faso’s military junta has turned away from the West and, in particular, former colonial master France since it seized power in a September 2022 coup.

Security experts contacted by AFP said the French national, who is the country leader for the INSO organisation in the West African state, was accused of espionage.

He is “well treated” and his organisation is in contact with Burkinabe authorities to secure his release, a source said.

INSO, based in the Netherlands, provides security analyses for other humanitarian organisations.

It was suspended for three months on July 31 by Burkina Faso’s authorities for “collecting sensitive data without prior authorisation”.

The military authorities have not released a statement on the arrest of the French national.

In one month between June and July, the junta revoked the operating permits of 21 NGOs and suspended 10 other associations for three months.

Burkinabe authorities often repress dissent, notably within civil society and the media, claiming it as part of the battle against jihadist violence that has plagued the country for a decade.

The junta regularly says it has thwarted “destabilisation attempts”.

Four French civil servants accused of espionage were detained for a year in the capital Ouagadougou before their release last December following mediation by Morocco.

The Real Muhammadu Buhari

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I regret ever supporting him – El-Rufai’s ex-aide, Ben Kure, says…..

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By Staff

Ben Kure, a former political adviser to the erstwhile governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has described his ex-boss as a devilish manipulator, who can not be trusted. 

Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television, Kure stated that El-Rufai is a bad person whose time in power was marked by exclusion and manipulation.

Kure, now the managing director of Kaduna State Media Corporation, said he initially championed El-Rufai’s rise to power, only to later regret his role.

According to him, “I was Director-General of his campaigns in 2015 and 2019. In my life, I have never regretted an action as much as supporting Malam Nasir El-Rufai.

“He was presented to us as a nationalist. But what we saw was politics of exclusion, politics of discrimination, and divide-and-rule. He thrives in crisis by knocking people’s heads together.”

Kure recounted how he, alongside other APC pioneers, helped build the party structure in Kaduna and delivered the ticket to El-Rufai, who had little political base at the time. According to him, the image of El-Rufai as a unifying figure quickly unravelled once he assumed office.

“He used religion and ethnicity to achieve his goals. He pitted communities against each other so he could have his way. That is not leadership, that is manipulation,” Kure declared.

Pressed on why he continued to serve under El-Rufai despite these misgivings, Kure explained that his disillusionment grew gradually. He had served in multiple roles, including local government chairman, executive secretary of the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency, and political adviser, but he said he eventually saw through what he called the governor’s divisive style.

“I did not know he was a bad person at first. The truth became clear during his leadership. The Bible says you can do nothing against the truth but for the truth. We endured him because of the party, but we always believed the future would bring someone to redeem the ills he inflicted on the people of Kaduna,” Kure said.

Liverpool reach deal to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle United for British record £130 million fee

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By Staff

Alexander Isak is headed to Liverpool. The club reached a £130 million deal ($176 million) to sign the Newcastle star on Sunday night, according to The Athletic's David Ornstein. That deal would break the Premier League transfer record set earlier this summer when Liverpool signed Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for $153 million. Sunday's deal took place just in time before Monday's transfer deadline.

Isak made it clear that he wanted out of Newcastle. He has not played in any of the club's first three Premier League games this season. Isak posted earlier this month that his relationship with Newcastle "can't continue," though Newcastle appeared to reject his requests to leave at every step. Isak missed the team's trip to Asia and didn't play in a preseason friendly, either. The striker has been training with Real Sociedad, his former club, since July and has been away from Newcastle.

Liverpool intially sent Newcastle a £110 million offer for Isak, which Newcastle rejected. Now, having raised the price, Liverpool secured their latest record-breaking addition.

Isak has spent the past three seasons with Newcastle, which marked his first stint in the Premier League in his career. He had a career-high 23 goals and six assists in 34 matches last season. He's previously spent time with Real Sociedad in La Liga and Dortmund in the Bundesliga.

Liverpool, fresh off its Premier League title last season, opened the year with three straight wins, including a one-nil victory over Arsenal on Sunday. The Reds have spent more than £250 million this transfer window, bringing in other big names like Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong and Giovanni Leoni.

Nigerian physicist, Cynthia Osuala, pioneers graphene-based quantum technologies for sensing and computing

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By Staff

A Nigerian researcher based in the United States, Cynthia Osuala, is spearheading groundbreaking research in graphene-based quantum technologies that could transform national security, advanced communications, and next-generation computing.

Osuala, a physicist and research scientist, is investigating how the unique quantum properties of graphene — one-atom-thick material celebrated as the “wonder material” of the 21st century can be harnessed to build quantum sensors and computing components with unprecedented precision and efficiency.

Her work revolves around solving one of the most pressing challenges in modern physics and engineering: how to model devices capable of detecting extremely weak signals and processing massive amounts of data at speeds far beyond the limits of traditional electronics.

In one of her notable projects, Osuala developed advanced models to simulate quantum transport in graphene devices, revealing how electron pathways can be tuned to minimize noise and improve sensitivity. This modeling work provides a blueprint for constructing highly quantum sensors capable of detecting even the faintest changes in magnetic or electric fields — an ability critical for applications in defense, environmental monitoring, and secure communication systems.

“Graphene’s extraordinary mobility and low resistivity make it ideal for pushing the boundaries of sensing and computing technologies,” Osuala explained. “By leveraging these properties, we can design devices that are smaller, faster, and more sensitive than anything currently available.”

Her research builds on a series of significant milestones, including the first demonstration of the Aharonov-Bohm effect in chemical vapor deposition (CVD)-grown graphene rings at cryogenic temperatures. This breakthrough revealed how quantum interference effects in graphene can be harnessed for real-world applications, laying the foundation for highly sensitive quantum technologies. The work earned her the Best Paper Award at the IEEE Conference on Nanoelectronics and Nanotechnology. She has also been featured in a Stevens Institute of Technology Research & Innovation article titled “Traveling Light,” where she discussed the broader implications of her research in making quantum technologies more practical and scalable.

Beyond the lab, Osuala is a strong advocate for STEM education and diversity in science. She has served as a mentor and judge in science competitions, inspiring young scientists and helping address the underrepresentation of women and minorities in physics.

“This research is more than an academic pursuit,” Osuala emphasized. “It’s about building the technologies that will define the future technologies that ensure resilience, security, and innovation.”

Her contributions exemplify international leadership that advances materials science and quantum technology while strengthening U.S. innovation in emerging quantum systems.

Marco Rubio called it in 2016

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10 Most expensive passports in the world

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By Staff

Passports are essential documents that grant access to international travel, but their costs vary widely across countries, with some being among the most expensive in the world.

Some countries charge modest fees, while others leave citizens paying steep sums for the privilege of holding one.

Here’s a look at the countries where passports are the most expensive in 2025.

Australia

The Australian passport is the costliest in the world, priced at $412 for a 10-year validity, which averages $41.20 per year. Despite its high cost, its strength has slipped slightly, ranking only equal-seventh globally with visa-free access to 185 destinations. Australians are effectively paying $2.23 per country, the highest rate worldwide.

Mexico

In Mexico, citizens pay $335.95 for a 10-year passport, or about $33.59 per year. Although it secures access to over 160 destinations, the cost is among the steepest globally, making it one of the least efficient passports in terms of cost-to-power ratio.

United States

The United States passport comes in at $251.21, breaking down to $25.12 per year. While expensive, it remains highly powerful, giving Americans visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 185 countries. On a cost-per-destination basis, it is considerably better value compared to Australia or Mexico.

New Zealand

New Zealand charges $225.62 for its passport, with a yearly equivalent of $22.56. The Kiwi passport is not only cheaper than Australia’s but also more powerful, offering entry to 186 countries — one more than Australia, despite costing significantly less.

Italy

In Italy, a passport costs $206.10 for 10 years, or $20.61 annually. Italians enjoy one of the strongest passports globally, with access to nearly 190 destinations, making it one of the best value-for-money passports among the expensive options.

Austria

Austria follows closely with a passport priced at $198.99, or $19.90 per year. It gives citizens excellent global mobility, aligning with the strong standing of most EU passports.

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom charges $193.78 for a passport valid for 10 years, translating to $19.38 per year. Despite being cheaper than Australia’s by almost half, it grants entry to more than 190 destinations, making it far more cost-effective.

Canada

For Canada, the price is $177.61 for 10 years, averaging $17.76 annually. Like the U.S., it ranks among the world’s strongest passports, providing entry to over 185 countries without a visa.

France

France, citizens pay $152.67 for a passport, or $15.27 per year. The French passport is among the cheapest in the top 10 yet among the most powerful, with nearly 190 destinations open visa-free to its holders.

Fiji

Rounding out the list is Fiji, where a passport costs $142.94 for 10 years. While not as powerful as European or North American passports, its relatively high price compared to its global strength places it in the world’s top 10 most expensive.

BBG: BEN BORN GREAT!

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By Yahaya Balogun

Celebrating the remarkable young mathematical Heritage Ben, the heritage of becoming, awakens my sense of hope for our kids in Nigeria! I am filled with immense joy and admiration as I witness a young prodigy like Mathematical Heritage Ben taking the reins of social media and steering it toward a more positive and responsible direction.

Meanwhile, in a world that often seems cluttered with distractions and unwholesome content, it is genuinely refreshing to see someone so young and talented using her platform to inspire and educate young children like herself. My hat is off to her parents for fostering such a brilliant mind and instilling values, prioritizing integrity, decency, and knowledge!

As I delve deeper into Heritage Ben’s mathematical contributions, I cannot help but feel a swell of encouragement and pride. The way she articulates complex concepts in mathematics is nothing short of impressive, and it opens up a world of possibilities for her peers—and beyond. I eagerly look forward to witnessing the unfolding of a bright future for this exceptional young lady. Heritage Ben's talent and passion are commendable and serve as a beacon of hope for what social media can truly represent and provide.

Furthermore, it’s a delight to always share, like, and comment on the enlightening content that our dear Heritage Ben produces. It fills me with unrestricted joy and appreciation for her intelligence and creativity in mathematics, inspirational essays, and quotes. Heritage Ben's dedication to mathematics is a powerful counterpoint in a digital landscape often dominated by superficial content. I wholeheartedly encourage her to continue educating and empowering her responsibly-minded peers on these platforms. The Nigerian government must discover more Heritage Bens with full local and international scholarships to pursue their educational careers.

Heritage Ben is not just sharing numbers and equations; she is creating a movement that elevates the discourse and fosters a community of critical thinkers among her peers. Keep shining bright, Mathematical Heritage Ben. Your journey has just begun, and the responsible world eagerly awaits all you will achieve.

Yahaya Balogun writes from Arizona, United States of America.

The Zong Massacre - The truth can never be silenced

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