By Ian Maleve

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has directed Ford to recall more than 103,000 F‑150 pickup trucks in the United States amid concerns about axle bolt failures that could cause serious safety risks.

According to the agency, damaged axle bolts may break, potentially resulting in unintended vehicle rollaway or loss of drive power.

The recall targets F‑150 models, though specific years and configurations affected have not been disclosed in detail.

While Ford has yet to announce a final repair solution, the recall underscores the urgency of the issue, given the serious implications of a fractured axle bolt on road safety.

This action follows a recurring pattern of similar safety concerns traced to Ford’s rear axle components. Previously, in early 2024, Ford recalled approximately 113,000 F‑150s from the 2021–2023 model years due to a related issue involving rear axle hub bolts that could fatigue, break, and impair torque transfer raising the risk of the truck rolling away when parked.

In those instances, drivers were advised to apply the electronic parking brake and watch for clicking or rattling noises indicative of a failing bolt.

Although no crashes or injuries have been linked to these defects so far, the frequency of warranty claims 376 registered in relation to the previous bolt issue alone has prompted ongoing investigations and heightened regulatory scrutiny.

The cumulative recalls reflect a pressing challenge for Ford, as it works to stabilize confidence in one of its flagship product lines. For now, owners of affected trucks are urged to await further instructions from Ford or NHTSA regarding interim safety measures and future repair availability.

By Ian Maleve

Former U.S. President Donald Trump held a high-stakes closed-door meeting with the CEO of Intel Corporation, just days after publicly calling for the executive’s resignation.

The rare face-to-face engagement took place at Trump’s private club in Florida and was attended by a select group of advisors and senior executives from the tech and manufacturing sectors.

The meeting follows mounting tensions between Trump and the chipmaking giant, sparked by what he described as Intel’s failure to maintain global competitiveness, especially in the face of rising Chinese semiconductor dominance.

Trump has been critical of the company’s leadership, blaming it for production delays, outsourcing, and what he called “missed opportunities” to strengthen American chip independence.

Insiders familiar with the discussion described the atmosphere as tense but constructive. Trump reportedly pressed the Intel CEO on issues ranging from domestic investment commitments to the company’s ability to deliver on its promises under the CHIPS and Science Act, which aims to revitalize America’s semiconductor manufacturing base.

Despite the earlier criticism, Trump is said to have expressed support for U.S.-based semiconductor innovation, emphasizing the strategic importance of chip manufacturing for national security and economic sovereignty.

However, he made it clear that he believes stronger leadership is necessary to ensure the U.S. remains at the forefront of technological development.

The Intel CEO, for his part, defended the company’s recent performance and laid out a roadmap for recovery, including plans for new fabrication plants, expanded partnerships with American universities, and recruitment of engineering talent.

He also assured Trump that Intel remains committed to reshoring production and reducing reliance on overseas foundries.

While no formal agreement emerged from the meeting, the two sides reportedly agreed to continue dialogue.

The development adds a new layer of complexity to the already volatile intersection of technology policy, politics, and global supply chains, with both parties under pressure to deliver results ahead of the 2026 U.S. midterm elections.

By Ian Maleve

In a striking departure from established U.S. export control norms President Donald Trump has brokered a deal with Nvidia with AMD also reportedly involved that allows these tech giants to export previously restricted AI chips to China in return for a 15 percent government cut of the resulting sales revenue.

The move broke long-standing precedent, where export of sensitive technologies was strictly regulated on security grounds, not subject to negotiation.

Previously banned Nvidia H20 chips are now part of the arrangement and Trump has even hinted at easing restrictions on downgraded versions of the advanced Blackwell chips.

U.S. lawmakers from both political parties were quick to criticize the arrangement, warning it sets a dangerous “pay-for-play” precedent in technology export policy.

Representative John Moolenaar, a Republican, emphasized that export controls should remain an unyielding defense of national security never a transaction.

Meanwhile, Democratic Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi insisted that turning national security into a commodity risks signaling to allies and adversaries alike that core principles are negotiable for the right fee.

Legal scholars have raised further alarms, suggesting that this revenue-share may function as an impermissible export tax possibly violating the U.S. Constitution’s prohibition on such levies.

Trade lawyers and academics have described the arrangement as an unprecedented fusion of export licensing and financial extraction from corporate earnings.

Analysts have also pointed to significant implications for the tech industry’s financials. Bernstein analysts estimate the levy could reduce gross margins on China-bound chips by 5 to 15 percentage points, exerting downward pressure on Nvidia’s and AMD’s overall earnings.

Meanwhile, other strategic sectors are watching closely to see whether this model might extend beyond semiconductors.

National security institutions and think tanks have also voiced concerns. Commentaries warn that monetizing export controls undermines the integrity of U.S. technology policy and may erode trust among allies who coordinate on export restriction regimes.

In response, the White House argues that the national security risks are minimal, noting that the H20 chip is relatively low-tier, and that continued Chinese access to U.S. chip technology serves broader economic interests. Still, critics contend the deal may fundamentally reshape the balance between government regulation and private enterprise.

By Michelle Ndaga

The united nations, European union and several media rights organizations on Monday condemned an Israel airstrike in Gaza that killed a team of Al-Jazeera journalists, sparking outrage an grief among Palestinians. the strike on Sunday claimed the lives of Anas al- sharif, a 28years old prominent Al-Jazeera correspondent, and four of his colleagues. The journalists were killed while reporting in Gaza city.

Dozens of mourners gathered in the courtyard of al-Shifa hospital, surrounding the ruins of bombed out buildings, to pay their respects to the slain reporters. many described al-sharif as a fearless voice for Gaza. Israel accused al-sharif of being a Hamas militant a claim rejected by al Jazeera and dismissed by press freedom advocates. The UN and media watchdogs have called for an independent investigation, warning that targeted reporters violates international law threatens press freedom.

BY Michelle Ndaga

Air Canada’s cabin crew are protesting and threatening to strike as pay talks with management intensify. A walkout during the busy summer travel season could severely disrupt operations, coming just after the airline reported a second-quarter profit drop due to weaker U.S passenger traffic. Union leaders demand better wages and working conditions, while the airline says it is committed to avoiding service disruptions. Bargaining is set to continue as the peak travel period approaches.

At least three people have been killed in a shooting at a Target store parking lot in Austin, Texas, in an incident authorities described as both “devastating” and “cowardly.”

Police said they received reports of the shooting at around 2:15 pm local time on Monday and arrived within four minutes to find three people with gunshot wounds. Two victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while the third died later in hospital. A fourth person was treated for injuries not caused by gunfire.

Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis told reporters it remains unclear what triggered the violence. Authorities have not yet released details about the victims. The suspect, described as having both a criminal and mental health history, allegedly stole a vehicle from the scene, crashed it, and then hijacked another car – a Volkswagen taken from a nearby dealership – before being apprehended in south Austin. Police say the arrest came after the suspect was subdued with a Taser.

“This is a sickening, cowardly act of gun violence,” Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said, adding that his thoughts were with the victims’ families.

Target issued a statement expressing sorrow and shock at the incident. “We are devastated by the violence at our Austin store and are working closely with law enforcement during their investigation,” the company said.

The shooting has left the parking lot closed as part of an active crime scene, with police advising anyone whose vehicle is inside to arrange alternative transport.

The tragedy comes amid a string of high-profile shootings in Texas this year, renewing debates about public safety and the role of firearms in everyday violence. For now, Austin’s residents are left reeling – and waiting for answers.