Ousmane Dembélé has capped off a sensational season with Paris Saint-Germain by being named UEFA Men’s Player of the Season, after inspiring the French giants to a historic 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League final in Munich.
The emphatic win not only secured PSG’s first-ever European crown, but also marked the largest winning margin ever recorded in a Champions League final.
It was a season of transformation for the 28-year-old winger. Early disciplinary issues saw Dembélé dropped by coach Luis Enrique for a group stage clash against Arsenal. But a tactical shift—moving Dembélé into a more central attacking role—proved pivotal. He responded by scoring eight goals in the tournament, playing a crucial part in PSG’s dominance.
Though he didn’t find the net in the final, Dembélé delivered two key assists and was widely hailed as the engine of PSG’s attack. His tireless work rate and leadership even earned extraordinary praise from his coach.
“I would give the Ballon d’Or to Mr. Ousmane Dembélé,” Enrique said. “The way he defended tonight—just that alone could be worth the Ballon d’Or. That’s how you lead a team. Goals, trophies, leadership, defence, his pressing.”
Doué Named Young Player of the Season as PSG Floods UEFA Honors
Meanwhile, PSG’s Desire Doué (19) was awarded UEFA Men’s Young Player of the Season, following a breakout campaign that culminated in a phenomenal final performance. Doué assisted the opener for Achraf Hakimi, then went on to score two goals himself, sealing his reputation as one of Europe’s most exciting young talents.
In total, seven PSG players were named in UEFA’s Team of the Season:
- Gianluigi Donnarumma
- Achraf Hakimi
- Marquinhos
- Nuno Mendes
- Vitinha
- Desire Doué
- Ousmane Dembélé
Adding international flavor to the lineup was Arsenal’s Declan Rice, who impressed with four Champions League goals—two of which were stunning free-kicks against Real Madrid in the quarter-finals.
PSG’s Statement Season
PSG’s triumph is more than a milestone—it’s a statement of intent. With a squad balanced by youth and experience, and led by a revitalized Dembélé, the Parisians finally claimed the European prize that had eluded them for so long.
This season’s UEFA awards show not only individual excellence but the collective rise of PSG as Europe’s new elite force.
- The 4-Day Workweek Is No Longer a Dream — It’s a Missed Opportunity.
For decades, American workers have quietly endured a work culture obsessed with output, often at the expense of their health, families, and sanity. The 9-to-5, five-day grind has long been viewed as non-negotiable — a bedrock of corporate life. But maybe it’s time to admit something we’ve all suspected: it’s not working.
Enter Juliet Schor — economist, author, and quiet champion of a revolution that has taken its sweet time to arrive. Since publishing The Overworked American back in 1992, Schor has argued that we need to work less to live better. For years, she was met with polite applause and little action. Then came 2020 — a pandemic, a global pause, and the startling realization that life is short, burnout is real, and our relationship with work is broken.
In the years since, Schor has helped lead one of the most comprehensive studies of the four-day workweek the world has seen. Hundreds of companies. Thousands of workers. And the results? Honestly, shocking — in the best way.
Productivity didn’t fall. It improved.
Mental health soared.
Burnout dropped.
Turnover evaporated.Let that sink in.
One less day of work. Same pay. Happier, healthier, more focused employees — and businesses that didn’t just survive, but thrived.
Even more unexpected? Workers didn’t use that “free” day to chase side hustles. They used it to breathe, to rest, to live. That missing day gave them their lives back — and their joy for work along with it.
So why, in the face of such compelling data, are so few companies making the leap?
Schor’s answer is painfully simple: control and fear.
Too many managers are still clinging to an outdated idea of leadership that confuses visibility with value. If employees are out of sight, they must be slacking. If we give them more freedom, we lose our grip on performance. The reality? That grip is already slipping — not because people are working less, but because they’re overworked, disillusioned, and quietly quitting.The irony is that companies could retain their best talent by simply offering them less time at work. Instead, many are doubling down on return-to-office mandates and clock-watching, even as workers flee for more flexible futures.
Some worry a four-day week might mean lower pay. Schor is clear: that’s not the model. Companies in her studies kept pay steady — and still got better results. In fact, reducing pay would likely backfire. Workers aren’t interested in losing income to win time. They need both — especially in an economy where too many are already stretching to make ends meet.
Could some companies try to slow wage growth over time? Maybe. But Schor notes the rise of AI could actually make that harder. If technology boosts productivity, then economic theory — and basic fairness — says wages should rise, not shrink.
Still, the biggest hurdle isn’t economic. It’s psychological. The five-day week feels “normal.” But normal isn’t always smart. In truth, Fridays are already fading — Summer Fridays, soft office hours, unofficial “catch-up” days. Productivity isn’t being sacrificed; it’s just not where it used to be.
So why not make it official?
We have the data. We have the stories. We even have the technology. What we don’t have — yet — is the courage to let go of old habits.
But here’s the thing: the four-day workweek isn’t radical anymore. What’s radical is continuing to ignore the truth when it’s staring us in the face.
As Juliet Schor makes so clear: a better way to work is not only possible — it’s already happening. The only question now is how long it will take the rest of the world to catch up.
- New York Skyscraper Shooting: Gunman Blames NFL for Tragic Attack
New York, July 29, 2025 – A gunman who stormed a Manhattan skyscraper on Monday evening and killed four people, including a police officer and a Blackstone employee, left behind a note blaming the National Football League (NFL) for his mental illness, allegedly caused by a football-related brain injury.
Mayor Eric Adams confirmed the shooter, identified as 27-year-old Shane Tamura from Las Vegas, appeared to hold the NFL responsible for his deteriorating mental health. Although Tamura never played professionally, he was a high school football player in California, where former teammates recall him as a determined athlete.
Tamura carried out the attack inside a building housing the NFL’s headquarters. However, after entering the lobby and opening fire, he mistakenly took an elevator to the 33rd floor, ending up in the offices of Rudin Management, the building’s owners, rather than the intended NFL offices. There, he continued his deadly rampage before fatally turning the weapon on himself.
Among the victims was Didarul Islam, a 36-year-old New York City police officer working as a security guard. Wesley LePatner, an employee at investment firm Blackstone, was also killed, along with two other unidentified male civilians. One NFL employee remains in critical condition, according to Commissioner Roger Goodell.
Grab your hot deal on Amazon The note found on Tamura claimed he suffered from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head trauma and commonly found in former football players. The letter detailed his struggles with mental illness and expressed rage toward the NFL.
Tamura reportedly drove cross-country from Las Vegas to New York, carrying an assault-style rifle. The attack plunged Midtown Manhattan into chaos, halting public transportation and triggering a massive law enforcement response. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and confusion as gunshots rang out and emergency crews swarmed the building.
One woman, Nekeisha Lewis, who had been dining outside nearby, recounted the terror. “It felt like a warzone,” she told NBC News, adding she saw an injured man flee the building covered in blood.
Police conducted a floor-by-floor sweep of the skyscraper, a painstaking process that lasted several hours as the city reeled from one of the deadliest mass shootings in recent New York memory.
The investigation into Tamura’s background, mental health history, and how he obtained the weapon is ongoing. Mayor Adams has called for a renewed focus on mental health and gun access, especially as trauma-related brain injuries continue to raise alarm in the sports world.
- US and China Move to Extend Trade Truce Amid Mounting Tariff Threat
July 28, 2025 — Stockholm
The United States and China have resumed high-level trade negotiations in a last-ditch effort to avoid a dramatic escalation in tariffs that could destabilize global markets and reignite economic tensions between the world’s two largest economies.
Talks are currently underway in Stockholm between U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng. The two sides are aiming to secure a 90-day extension of the current trade ceasefire before the looming August 12 deadline. If no agreement is reached, punitive tariffs—some reaching as high as 145% on Chinese exports and 125% on U.S. goods—could automatically snap back into effect.
A Delicate Balancing Act
This latest round of discussions highlights the fragile state of U.S.-China relations, where both nations appear eager to maintain short-term economic stability without resolving deeper, structural disputes. These include Chinese industrial overcapacity, U.S. restrictions on high-tech exports, and disagreements over fentanyl-linked chemical products.
While no breakthroughs have been announced, officials on both sides have signaled cautious optimism. A successful extension could open the door for a potential Trump–Xi summit in October or November, an event that would mark the first in-person meeting between the two leaders since 2023.
Avoiding an Economic Shock
The stakes are high. Global investors fear a collapse in talks could shock markets and undermine fragile economic recovery efforts across Asia, Europe, and the U.S. Already, analysts warn that a return to triple-digit tariffs could disrupt trade flows, raise consumer prices, and strain supply chains just as inflation appears to be stabilizing.
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Adding to the pressure is the recent finalization of a new U.S.-EU trade agreement, which introduces a 15% tariff cap on European exports in exchange for $600 billion in U.S. investment pledges. That deal is being viewed as a strategic benchmark for how Washington may structure future trade frameworks—including with Beijing.
Political Calculations at Play
The Biden administration, while emphasizing national security and tech sovereignty, appears to be shifting toward a more pragmatic stance as the 2026 U.S. midterm elections approach. Similarly, Beijing faces internal economic headwinds and is under pressure to shore up investor confidence and avoid further capital flight.
As a temporary goodwill gesture, Washington has reportedly paused enforcement of certain tech export restrictions, including AI chip bans affecting U.S. firms like Nvidia, to keep negotiations on track.
What’s Next?
Negotiations in Stockholm are expected to continue over the coming days. If successful, the 90-day extension would push the tariff deadline to mid-November—offering both governments breathing room to pursue a broader trade settlement.
For now, the world watches closely as the U.S. and China navigate one of their most delicate diplomatic balancing acts in years—one that could define the future of global trade for the rest of the decade.
Danchima Media International News Team
© 2025 All Rights Reserved
- EU-US Trade Deal Sealed — But at What Cost to Europe?
A Historic Deal Amid High Stakes
European and American negotiators have finalized a major transatlantic trade deal after months of tense back-and-forth. The agreement, struck in Scotland between U.S. President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, imposes a 15% tariff on most EU exports to the U.S. — a sharp increase from the pre-2025 average of 2.5%.
While the deal averted a full-blown trade war, critics say Europe may have given up too much to maintain stability.Markets Cheer, But At What Price?
European markets surged to four-month highs following the announcement. Shares of automakers spiked by as much as 3%, while broader EU indices reflected renewed investor confidence.
Key terms of the deal:
📦 15% tariff on most EU exports to the U.S.
💸 €514 billion in EU investment promised to the U.S.
Final tariff details on key sectors like wine, spirits, and semiconductors pending
Ursula von der Leyen called the agreement a step toward “stability” and “predictability,” even while acknowledging that 15% is a steep compromise.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the deal as “disappointing,” stating, “I would have very much wished for further relief.”EU Leaders Divided
The deal has provoked a political storm across the bloc:
🇭🇺 Hungarian PM Viktor Orban mocked the EU’s concessions, saying “Trump ate von der Leyen for breakfast.”
🇫🇷 French PM Francois Bayrou called it a “dark day” and a sign of “submission.”
🇪🇺 Former MEP Guy Verhofstadt labeled the agreement “scandalous” and “one-sided.”
🇩🇪 Bernd Lange, chair of the European Parliament’s trade committee, called it “lopsided.”Amazon deals Analysts fear the EU’s lack of leverage, internal disunity, and failure to secure reciprocal U.S. concessions may set a dangerous precedent.
Winners and Losers
Who stands to benefit:
🚗 European carmakers could gain up to €4 billion due to lower vehicle tariffs
📉 Investors welcomed the reduced trade uncertainty
🏦 Markets avoided the shock of retaliatory trade wars
Who bears the burden:
🇩🇪 German manufacturers, facing an estimated €6.5 billion in new export costs
🏭 Export-heavy sectors like chemicals, steel, and luxury goods
📉 Long-term EU competitiveness in U.S. marketsMelanie Vogelbach of the German Chamber of Commerce noted, “This deal makes our exports far less competitive than U.S. production.”
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Averted Trade War, But At What Strategic Cost?
Brussels narrowly avoided a wider economic conflict. The EU had prepared €72 billion in retaliatory tariffs and was considering tough restrictions on American tech and finance, but those threats were withdrawn early — a move some say undermined their negotiating position.
With over €647 billion in EU energy purchases and investment commitments to the U.S. on the table, many economists are skeptical.“That’s a huge promise with unclear feasibility,” said UC Berkeley economist Allan Auerbach.
What Happens Next?
The deal is not yet finalized:
✍️ A full legal draft is expected in the coming weeks
🏛️ Requires approval from all 27 EU member states and the European Parliament
⚖️ Trump’s authority to impose unilateral tariffs is being challenged in multiple lawsuits — any ruling against him could derail the deal
Meanwhile, Brussels continues to push for:
🍷 Exemptions for European wine and spirits
💊 Relief on pharmaceuticals and semiconductors
🔄 Reduction of non-tariff barriers such as VAT and regulatory red tape
While the EU managed to avoid economic disaster, many see the deal as a strategic retreat. Whether this pact brings lasting trade stability — or sets a troubling precedent for future negotiations — remains to be seen.
📢 What do you think?
Was this a smart deal or a surrender? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
🔁 Follow Danchima Media on X for real-time updates on global trade and geopolitics.
- Europe’s Century of Humiliation Has Officially Begun.
If Europeans were truly informed—or even half awake—they would be outraged. But they’re not. Because no one is telling them the truth.
The newly publicized EU-U.S. economic and energy agreement, quietly pushed through under the guise of “strategic cooperation,” is not a partnership. It’s a tribute—a historic wealth transfer from Europe to the United States with no reciprocal benefits.
Let’s break it down:
- The EU drops tariffs on American imports but is hit with a 15% tariff on its own exports to the U.S.
- The EU agrees to invest $600 billion in the U.S. economy—without clear returns, without protections, without any visible national interest served.
- The EU commits to purchasing hundreds of billions in American military hardware, further tying its sovereignty to Washington’s war machine.
- And most shockingly, the EU signs on to a $750 billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) deal—paying $250 billion annually for U.S. energy exports that are far more expensive than alternatives.
And what does the EU get in return? Nothing.
No access concessions. No guarantees of equal trade terms. No collaborative defense clause. No mutual investment reciprocity. Just silence—and submission.
This Isn’t Diplomacy. It’s Extraction.
This kind of deal doesn’t resemble an agreement between sovereign equals. It resembles the kind of unequal treaties that colonial empires once imposed on defeated nations. Only this time, Europe is the vassal.
There is no political dignity in this arrangement. There is no economic logic. And there is certainly no democratic mandate for it—because no citizen in Europe voted for their sovereignty to be auctioned off like this.
A Dangerous Precedent
What’s worse is what this signals moving forward. In geopolitics, capitulation breeds escalation. The U.S. has now seen that it can extract vast concessions from Europe without resistance. Do you think this stops here? Of course not.
In the 19th century, colonial powers didn’t stop after their first lopsided treaty. They kept going—demanding more, stripping nations of autonomy, and locking them into a cycle of dependence and economic servitude.
That’s exactly the path the EU is now being nudged onto.
And unless Europe wakes up—unless its leaders start leading with courage rather than obedience—this will be remembered as the beginning of its century of humiliation. This isn’t about being anti-American. It’s about being pro-sovereignty, pro-transparency, and pro-accountability.
If Europe wishes to maintain its independence, its prosperity, and its identity, it must say no to economic self-sabotage dressed up as diplomacy. Otherwise, history won’t be kind.
- The Ukraine War Isn’t About Democracy—It’s About Control.
Western leaders continue to frame the ongoing war in Ukraine as a struggle for democracy, a stand against tyranny, and a defense of the so-called “rules-based international order.” But as the conflict drags on and billions in aid are funneled into the region, the gap between the narrative and the reality on the ground grows wider—and more dangerous.
Ukraine, the country championed as a beacon of freedom, has taken measures that call into question its democratic integrity. Opposition parties have been outlawed. Media outlets critical of the government have been silenced. Religious figures have been imprisoned. And the country’s deep-rooted corruption has only intensified during wartime—becoming, in many ways, institutionalized.
And yet, the West continues to send financial and military support without demanding accountability or transparency. The beneficiaries? Defense contractors, political elites, and a small class of global actors who profit from prolonged instability.
Let’s be clear: this is not about promoting democracy.
This is about preserving influence.
About maintaining control.
And about keeping a war simmering just enough to serve geopolitical interests, but never enough to resolve.NATO, rather than serving as a force for peace, appears content to maintain the conflict indefinitely. Peace talks remain off the table. Diplomacy is nowhere to be seen. Instead, the world is left watching a slow-motion proxy war, where the human cost grows while the political games continue.
At Danchima Media, we believe in calling things by their name.
This war is not about defending freedom. It’s about shaping power.We urge our readers not to accept political slogans at face value. Scrutinize what’s happening. Ask where the money is going. And above all, recognize that when war becomes a business model, peace becomes a threat to those in power.
Who’s next after Ukraine? That’s a question we should all be asking.
- The Illusion of Democracy: Ukraine, NATO, and the War That Won’t End
“Rule of law.”
“Defending democracy.”
“Standing for freedom.”These are the buzzwords we hear from Western leaders when they talk about Ukraine. But let’s take a moment to look beyond the headlines and slogans.
Ukraine, under the leadership we’re told to support without question, banned opposition parties, shut down independent media, jailed members of the clergy, and has become a global poster child for institutionalized corruption.
And yet, billions of taxpayer dollars from the U.S. and EU continue to be funneled into this war-torn nation, with little to no oversight. These aren’t just support packages. They’re open wallets, handed to a government that, by all democratic standards, is increasingly authoritarian.
So ask yourself this:
Is this really about democracy, or is it about control?NATO’s Role: Fuel or Firefighting?
While NATO claims to defend the sovereignty of nations, its actions suggest otherwise. Rather than promoting de-escalation or a peaceful resolution, NATO seems invested in keeping the war warm—not hot enough to draw in direct conflict, but just warm enough to justify ongoing military spending, political posturing, and economic disruption.
Peace talks?
Diplomacy?
You’ll rarely hear them discussed.
Because war—especially a war that drags on—benefits too many powerful interests.Follow the Money
Corruption in Ukraine isn’t new—it’s legendary. And yet, financial aid continues to pour in with minimal transparency. Defense contractors profit. Political elites leverage the conflict to push agendas at home. And average citizens—on both sides—continue to suffer.
We’re told this is about supporting “freedom.”
But the facts paint a very different picture.- Freedom doesn’t mean banning opposition.
- Democracy doesn’t mean jailing priests.
- Transparency doesn’t mean laundering billions through untraceable pipelines.
Say It Louder: This Was Never About Freedom
From the beginning, this has been about narrative control, regional dominance, and economic interests—not about protecting liberty or justice.
The real question isn’t just what’s happening in Ukraine, but what happens after.
Who’s next?
If this model of “democracy defense” becomes the norm, then every nation is one “crisis” away from losing its sovereignty in the name of global order. Don’t fall for slogans. Don’t accept censorship in the name of freedom.
Ask questions. Demand transparency.
Because if we don’t speak up now—we might be next.
- 🇪🇺 New Entrance Fee to Visit Europe Set to Triple by 2026, Says European Commission
Key Takeaways:
European Commission proposes raising ETIAS fee from €7 to €20.
New fee may take effect by late 2026.
The hike is attributed to inflation, operational costs, and global comparisons.
Visa-exempt travelers from 59 countries — including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia — will be impacted.
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What is ETIAS?
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is a mandatory travel pre-authorization for visa-exempt travelers visiting 30 European countries for short stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period). It was originally adopted in 2018 but has faced repeated implementation delays. ETIAS is now scheduled to launch in Q4 2026.
Fee Increase: From €7 to €20
The European Commission announced a proposal to nearly triple the current ETIAS fee from €7 ($8) to €20 ($23).
The proposed hike is being justified by:
Rising inflation
Increased operational costs
Benchmarking with similar systems like:
UK’s ETA: £16 (~$21.70)
US ESTA: $21
The Commission emphasized that the new fee aligns with global practices for electronic travel authorizations.
Who Will Need to Pay?
The ETIAS fee applies to travelers from 59 countries that do not require a visa to enter the Schengen Zone and other participating European countries. This includes:
🇺🇸 United States
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
🇨🇦 Canada
🇦🇺 Australia
🇯🇵 Japan
🇸🇬 Singapore
🇰🇷 South Korea
❗ Exceptions:
Some travelers will be exempt from paying:
Children under 18
Seniors over 70
Certain family members of EU citizens
The proposal is not final yet. It is subject to a two-month review by the European Parliament and European Council. If approved, the new fee will be enforced with the official launch of the ETIAS program in late 2026.
The potential of thinking This price increase marks a significant policy shift that could affect millions of tourists planning European getaways. As travel rebounds, this move might spark debate over affordability and access.
Stay updated with Danchima Media for more EU travel updates and policy insights.
- The Quiet Power of Long-Term Thinking — Why It Matters Now More Than Ever
In today’s world, long-term thinking is a quiet superpower—often overlooked, but deeply transformative. We’re living in an age dominated by immediacy. Likes, clicks, quick profits, overnight success—these are the currencies of modern culture. But beneath the surface of that noise lies a truth few people embrace: the most meaningful progress often happens over years, not days.
🧠 What Is Long-Term Thinking?Long-term thinking is the ability to look beyond the present moment and make decisions today that will benefit you in the future—five, ten, or even twenty years from now. It’s not just about financial investments. It’s about how you approach your health, your habits, your relationships, and even your character.
Think of it like planting a tree. The effort may seem small or invisible at first, but with time, care, and consistency, the roots deepen, the branches grow, and eventually, it provides shade and fruit—not just for you, but possibly for others too.
Why Is It Rare?
Modern systems are built to reward urgency. We check our phones over 90 times a day. We want fast returns on investments, shortcuts to success, and quick-fix diets. Most media platforms, businesses, and even educational systems are engineered to deliver instant results.Long-term thinking, by contrast, demands patience, discipline, and a tolerance for delayed gratification. It’s not glamorous. There’s no instant applause for eating healthy today or reading a book that may shift your mindset over time. But it’s precisely this kind of thinking that separates lasting success from fleeting hype.
Grab your hot deal on Amazon Areas Where Long-Term Thinking Pays Off
1. Health
Fast food satisfies a craving; long-term wellness requires consistent choices. Exercise, sleep, and a balanced diet don’t pay off overnight—but they shape your energy, clarity, and lifespan over decades.
2. Habits
Daily routines compound. A person who writes 300 words a day ends up with a book in a year. Small, positive habits—when practiced consistently—can radically reshape your future.
3. Relationships
Surface-level connections can be easy to make, but deep, trust-filled relationships take years of investment, vulnerability, and shared growth. Nurturing these is one of the most powerful long-term decisions you can make.
4. MoneyThe principle of compound interest—famously called the “eighth wonder of the world” by Einstein—is a perfect metaphor for long-term thinking. Saving, investing, and financial literacy don’t feel urgent in your 20s, but they define your freedom in your 50s.
5. Self-Development
Skills take time to master. A growth mindset, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking are built brick by brick through reading, reflection, and real-world learning. You’re not just preparing for today’s problems—you’re shaping the version of yourself who will face tomorrow’s.
How to Cultivate Long-Term Thinking
Ask the 5–10 Year Question: Before making decisions, ask: “Will this benefit me in five years? Ten?”
Delay Gratification: Practice saying no to short-term pleasure if it compromises long-term gain.
Set Legacy Goals: Think beyond achievements and ask what kind of impact or story you want to leave behind.
Track Progress, Not Perfection: Keep journals or logs of long-term goals to remind yourself how far you’ve come.
Surround Yourself with Future-Focused People: Mindsets are contagious. Be around those who value growth over quick wins.Grab your hot deal on Amazon The world may chase speed, but strength is often built slowly. Long-term thinking may not get you trending today—but it will build the kind of life worth living tomorrow. In a world of quick hits, it’s a quiet act of rebellion—and a powerful one.
- Ryanair Travellers Warned: You Could Be Denied Boarding If You Miss This Crucial Detail
Passengers flying with Ryanair and other low-cost airlines are being urged to check their boarding passes carefully — or risk missing their flight altogether.
What’s the Issue?
Some travellers, even after checking in online, arrive at the airport only to be told their flight is overbooked — and they have no seat. This is not an uncommon practice, especially during peak travel seasons like summer.
Now, an industry expert is revealing a key tip that could help travellers avoid being bumped off a flight.
Watch the “SEQ” Number
According to Hadleigh Diamond, Chief Operating Officer of SCS Chauffeurs — a premium airport transfer firm — one of the most overlooked elements on your boarding pass is the “SEQ” (Sequence) number.> “SEQ stands for Sequence Number,” he explained. “It shows the order in which you checked in. SEQ 001 means you were the first; SEQ 152 means you were the 152nd. While it doesn’t affect seat assignment, it becomes vital on overbooked flights.”
Overbooking Is More Common Than You Think
Airlines, especially budget ones, intentionally overbook flights, betting on the chance that a few passengers won’t show up. But when everyone does, someone has to go — and often, it’s the last to check in.> “If a flight is full and volunteers aren’t found to give up their seats, the airline will follow its own policy — and that often includes denying boarding to passengers with higher SEQ numbers,” said Diamond.
Travellers who are solo, flying without checked baggage, or who paid the lowest fare are also more likely to be offloaded.
✅ How to Avoid This
To stay on the safe side, you should:
Check in online as early as possible (usually 24–48 hours before departure).
Set a reminder so you don’t miss your check-in window.Check your boarding pass for a low SEQ number.
Avoid last-minute check-ins at the airport if you can help it.
According to the Civil Aviation Authority, over 6 million passengers were denied boarding globally in the past year. Many of them could have avoided it by checking in earlier.Amazon deal of the week Pro Travel Tip
If you’re flying with a budget airline like Ryanair this summer, check in early, double-check your SEQ number, and travel smart. It could be the difference between a sunny holiday and a ruined trip.
- The Quiet Power of Long-Term Thinking
In a world obsessed with instant gratification, long-term thinking has become a rare and underrated skill. Most systems around us—social media, fast fashion, viral trends—are engineered for quick wins, not lasting impact.But there’s a quiet superpower in pausing to ask: “Will this matter in five or ten years?” It’s a filter that applies to more than just money. It shapes the way we invest in our health, build habits, and choose the people we surround ourselves with.
What if the real edge isn’t speed—but staying power?
- Netanyahu Slams Macron’s Plan to Recognize Palestine: “A Reward for Terror”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a scathing rebuke of French President Emmanuel Macron’s planned recognition of Palestine as an independent state, calling the move “a reward for terror.”In a statement posted to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Netanyahu’s office expressed strong condemnation, warning that the recognition — expected to be made official by Macron in September 2025 — could dangerously empower groups hostile to Israel.
> “A Palestinian state in these conditions would be a launch pad to annihilate Israel — not to live in peace beside it,” the statement read. “Let’s be clear: the Palestinians do not seek a state alongside Israel; they seek a state instead of Israel.”
Advertisement The Israeli government further claimed that Macron’s policy risks turning Palestine into another Iranian proxy, similar to the situation in Gaza, where Hamas — a group supported by Iran — has launched repeated attacks against Israel.
“This step risks creating another Iranian proxy, just as Gaza became,” the statement continued.
Macron has not yet formally responded to Netanyahu’s remarks, but reports indicate that France’s recognition will align with other European efforts aimed at reviving the stalled two-state solution — a proposal long backed by the international community but increasingly rejected by Israel’s current leadership.
Analysis: Rising Tensions Over Statehood and Security
France’s expected recognition of Palestine would mark a significant diplomatic shift among Western powers and could deepen the rift between Europe and Israel. It also comes amid ongoing regional instability, including renewed clashes in the West Bank, growing pressure on Gaza, and Hezbollah activity in Lebanon.
Observers warn that Macron’s move, while symbolic, could have real geopolitical consequences — including further strain on France-Israel relations and a harder stance from Netanyahu’s government.
Ryanair Confirms Staff Earn Commission for Charging Oversized Cabin Bags
Ryanair has acknowledged that its staff members receive commission payments when passengers are charged for bringing bags that exceed the airline’s size limits.
Although the budget carrier did not disclose exact figures, The Sunday Times reports that a Ryanair employee claimed to earn approximately €1.50 per oversized bag, with a monthly cap of around €80 per staff member.Grab your hot deal today
The airline says the policy is part of its effort to “eliminate the scourge of oversized bags,” which it argues disrupt the boarding process and disadvantage the majority of passengers who adhere to the rules.
Under current Ryanair baggage policy, all passengers are allowed to bring one small personal item that fits under the seat in front of them. Those who want to carry a larger 10kg cabin bag can pay for the option to store it in the overhead bin or check it in. If any of these bags don’t fit the airline’s sizers at the boarding gate, passengers are charged to check the item into the hold. These fees vary based on route and ticket type and typically range from €36 to €60.
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A Ryanair spokesperson defended the policy, saying that oversized bags “delay boarding and are clearly unfair on the over 99% of our passengers who comply with our baggage rules.”
“We do pay commission to our gate agents who identify and charge for oversized bags,” the spokesperson confirmed. “But these charges apply to fewer than 0.1% of passengers. Our message to that small minority is clear: stick to our generous baggage rules or you’ll face fees at check-in or the gate. To the compliant 99.9%, we say thank you—fly on without concern.”
In a slight policy shift, Ryanair recently announced it will increase the allowed dimensions for free personal bags from 40 x 25 x 20cm to 40 x 30 x 20cm. However, the size limit for the 10kg cabin bag remains unchanged at 55 x 40 x 20cm.
This update comes amid broader discussions in the EU regarding air passenger rights, with Ryanair among the airlines under review. The airline has also pushed back on speculation that it has introduced a stricter carry-on policy in recent months.
Stay tuned to Danchima Media Travel News for more updates on aviation and passenger rights across Europe.- Palestinian PM hails Hamas efforts to secure ceasefire
Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa said on Thursday that Hamas negotiators are “doing the best they can” to achieve a ceasefire and hostage deal.
In an interview with CNN’s Christiane Amanpour, Mustafa revealed that the Palestinian Authority told Hamas that it is necessary to end the war “for the sake of our people,” and called on Israel and the Palestinian militant group to cooperate.He also slammed Israel for continuing to block humanitarian aid into Gaza. “There is a lot of aid waiting at the gates. The gates are closed by the Israeli government,” and urged Israel to suspend the blockade as soon as possible.
Furthermore, Mustafa said that Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s remarks about de facto sovereignty over the West Bank are “irresponsible.” “This is just another proof of our position that this is an orchestrated campaign not only in Gaza, not only in East Jerusalem, but also in the West Bank,” he stressed.
- Children under seven years old should not have shop-bought slushies over health concerns
Children under seven years old should not have shop-bought slushies over health concerns about a chemical they contain, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has said.
The government watchdog said slushed ice drinks containing glycerol – a type of sweetener – were unsafe for young children, and consumption of them should be limited for children aged between seven and 10.
Advertisement Most slushies contain naturally occurring glycerol instead of sugar to stop them freezing solid, giving them the slushy effect.
The FSA said consuming large amounts of it can cause side-effects, including headaches and sickness, low blood sugar levels, shock, and loss of consciousness in children.
Prof Robin May, the FSA’s chief scientific advisor, said: “While these drinks may seem harmless and side effects are generally mild, they can, especially when consumed in large quantities over a short time, pose serious health risks to young children.”
The fresh FSA guidance comes following research indicating children under eight should completely avoid drinking slushies.
It studied the cases of 21 two- to seven-year-olds in the UK and Ireland who needed A&E treatment after becoming acutely ill within an hour of having the drinks, mostly between 2018 and 2024.
The children all recovered and were discharged from hospital.
Dr Duane Mellor from the British Dietetic Association told the BBC that it was “relatively rare” for children to suffer ill side-effects after drinking slushies containing glycerol.
The registered dietician said the “heat of the day”, dehydration and a child being excited could “exacerbate” symptoms linked to consuming the drink.
He recommended that children have water or cold milk as alternatives to slushies – or if they want a sweet drink, fruit flavoured water with ice cubes, a diet drink or a low-sugar ice lolly.
The FSA’s updated guidance is stricter than its previous advice, which said that under-fives should avoid slushies.
It now also says children aged seven to 10 should have no more than one 350ml slushy drink – “roughly the size of a fizzy drink can” – a day.
“We are asking parents and carers to take extra care when buying drinks for young children, particularly during warmer months when consumption of ‘slushies’ typically increases,” said Prof May.
This guidance also applies to ready-to-drink slushy pouches and make-at-home kits of slushy concentrates.
The FSA says its guidance should be on a “written warning at [the] point of sale” and that producers should make the drinks with the “minimum quantity” of glycerol “technically necessary to achieve the required ‘slush’ drink effect”.
It also recommends against vendors offering free slushy refills in venues where children under the age of 10 would likely consume them - Top 5 ideas for trading this week
🟡 Johnson & Johnson (JNJ). Report on July 16 before opening. After 2021, the company’s growth slowed significantly. Over the past four years, the stock has been trading in the $140–$180 range. Currently, prices are closer to the lower end of the range, so you can try a mid-term position.
🔴 Netflix (NFLX). Report on July 17 after closing. Morgan Stanley analysts predict that AI will take Netflix’s advanced recommendation system “to the next level” and user engagement will grow above the current two hours per day. Netflix can also use AI to offer advertisers “the best of branded advertising with targeting and attribution.” Wells Fargo sees Netflix accelerating to double digits revenue growth with margin expansion and a nice free cash ramp ahead.
⚠️ For fans of expensive volatile stocks. Use leverage up to X100 on the UTEX to participate in the NFLX movement on the report. A gap in either direction is possible.
🟡 PepsiCo (PEP). Report on July 17 before the opening. Down 16% for the year, while its main competitor, Coca-Cola, is up 11%. Since May 2023, PEP’s steady growth has stopped, and the stock is quite far from its highs. Prices are already quite attractive, but this is more of a long-term opportunity.
🔴 Cintas (CTAS). Report on July 17 before opening. Supplier of corporate uniforms and related services. Since 2012, the stock has grown steadily from $8 to $228 during this time. In December 2024, the first significant pullback occurred (excluding the decline during the pandemic). The stock is already approaching its highs. On July 1, Wells Fargo upgraded the company’s rating to “Outperform.” Analysts noted the company’s excellent infrastructure. In their opinion, Cintas will increase its market share by taking it from its competitors. There was a gap at the last two reports. Historical highs are not far off, so there could be strong movements in either direction. Especially if the figures in the report diverge from analysts’ expectations.🔴 Elevance Health (ELV). Report on July 17 before the opening. Health insurance has never been a glamorous and fast-growing business, but it has offered stable profits, backed by the expansion of government programs. But stocks in the sector — UnitedHealth Group (UNH), Humana (HUM), Molina Healthcare (MOH) — have fallen by 30–40% over the past year. There seem to be serious flaws in the model itself: health insurance companies are caught between rising costs and a lack of funding. The sell-off may continue.
Trade what suits you best:
🔴 high risk, for the pros;
🟡 medium risk, for traders with little experience.
All tickers are already in the Hot on Bybit Exchange
Profitable trades! - How a family office led banks to $10 billion in losses Or how not to use leverage.
There was this trader, Bill Hwang, also known as Sung Kook Hwang. After his fund, Tiger Asia, was shut down due to insider trading, and Hwang himself was banned from trading in the Hong Kong market, he came to the US exchanges.
Anonymous billionaire 🕵️♂️
Bill opened a family office called Archegos Capital Management, which wasn’t subject to strict SEC oversight. Hwang used derivatives — total return swaps. These allowed him to hold huge positions without revealing his name or buying stocks directly.
This way, Archegos was able to borrow from several major banks simultaneously, without the banks even being aware of it. Credit Suisse, Nomura, Morgan Stanley, UBS, and other institutions lent the fund enormous sums. With $10 billion in cash, the family office managed a portfolio worth $50–$100 billion.
Leverage banks would rather forget 🏦
Diversification? Never heard of it. Hwang bet on the growth of about a dozen companies (ViacomCBS, Discovery, Baidu, GSX Techedu, and so on). His positions in some of them were larger than BlackRock’s — up to 70% of freely traded shares.
Then came the margin call. In March 2021, shares of ViacomCBS and others began to plummet, and banks demanded additional collateral to maintain positions.
There was no money, of course. Banks realized that they had all lent huge sums to one client for the same securities. The market saw sell-offs worth more than $20 billion. ViacomCBS, Discovery, and others plummeted by tens of percent in a matter of hours.
And then everybody went down 📉
Credit Suisse lost $5.5 billion and later had to become part of UBS. Nomura lost $2.9 billion, Morgan Stanley lost $911 million.
As a result, top executives at many banks lost their jobs, the SEC introduced new rules on swap disclosure, and Bill Hwang himself was sentenced to 18 years in prison for fraud.
The moral: trade honestly and wisely. UTEX offers leverage up to ×100 and built-in risk management for this purpose. Don’t be like Sung Kook.
➡️ Trade on TRADING212: - Hunter Biden Suggests Sleep Medication May Have Affected President Biden’s Debate Performance.
In a revealing new interview, Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, has suggested that prescription sleep medication may have contributed to his father’s underwhelming performance during the first presidential debate against Donald Trump.
The comments came during a candid conversation on the Channel 5 News YouTube series hosted by Andrew Callaghan, where Hunter reflected on what he called the “beginning of the unraveling” of his father’s reelection campaign.
According to Hunter, President Biden had just returned from international travel before the June 27, 2024 debate and had reportedly taken Ambien, a common sedative often used to treat jet lag and insomnia. Hunter said the combination of long flights, fatigue, and medication may have left his father looking “a little disoriented,” describing him as appearing like “a deer in the headlights.”
While he did not claim that the president took the medication immediately before stepping on stage, Hunter emphasized that the buildup to the debate—marked by exhaustion and sleep disruption—could have played a significant role in how the president came across to the public.
“I don’t know exactly what happened,” Hunter told ABC News in a follow-up conversation. “But I do know that when you’re running on no sleep and you’ve been traveling back-to-back, and then there’s Ambien involved—it can have effects.”
The White House has so far declined to comment on the claims, nor has it confirmed whether President Biden used any sleep aids before the debate.
President Joe Biden and Republican presidential candidate, former President Donald Trump participate in the Presidential Debate, June 27, 2024 in Atlanta.
Justin Sullivan/Getty ImagesThe president’s debate performance drew sharp criticism from both political allies and opponents, with some Democrats openly questioning his capacity to continue in the race. Notably, actor and activist George Clooney, a longtime supporter, wrote an op-ed urging Biden to step aside—a move Hunter has publicly condemned as a betrayal.
Hunter defended his father fiercely, calling him the “only person who’s ever beaten Donald Trump” and accusing critics of panicking instead of supporting the president when he needed it most.
“This isn’t a reality show,” he said. “This is a presidency.”
The younger Biden’s remarks are now fueling further speculation over how the president was prepared for one of the most consequential moments of the 2024 campaign. For Republicans, the revelations are an opportunity to renew scrutiny of the president’s fitness for office, while Democrats find themselves navigating fresh questions about health, transparency, and trust.
As the campaign trail heats up, Hunter Biden’s comments may have added a new dimension to the national conversation about leadership, performance under pressure, and the behind-the-scenes decisions that shape public perception.
Stay with Danchima Media for continuing coverage on U.S. politics, the 2024 presidential election aftermath, and developments from Washington and beyond.
- Martian Marvel: Largest Mars Meteorite Ever Found Set for Sotheby’s Auction
Estimated to Fetch Up to $4 Million
A truly extraordinary piece of space history is heading to the auction block. The meteorite known as NWA 16788, weighing a staggering 54 pounds, is the largest Martian specimen ever discovered on Earth. Found in the Sahara Desert in 2023, the rock is set to go under the hammer at Sotheby’s, with starting bids at $1.9 million and estimates reaching $4 million.
Experts believe this rock was ejected from Mars some 140 million miles away, likely dislodged during an asteroid impact. Out of more than 77,000 documented meteorites, only about 400 are confirmed to be from Mars, making this one especially rare.
While some scientists argue such cosmic treasures should be kept in public museums, others see auctions like these as a way to boost awareness and enthusiasm for planetary science.
Should rare Martian rocks be sold to private collectors—or preserved for public research and education?
#Mars #MeteoriteAuction #Sothebys #SpaceScience
💕 Emotional Farewell for ‘Love Island USA’ Cast in Fiji
Reality Stars Stir Emotions at Nadi International Airport
The cast of “Love Island USA” captured hearts once more, not on screen—but at Fiji’s Nadi International Airport, where an outpouring of love marked their emotional send-off. Winners Amaya Espinal and Bryan Arenales led the heartfelt goodbye as adoring fans cheered.
Other islanders like Pepe Garcia and Nic Vansteenberghe played the charming “hubby” roles, while Huda Mustafa and ex-flame Chris Seeley shared unexpectedly friendly vibes despite their past tension. The warm interactions stirred fresh speculation: will relationships built under the sun survive real-life pressure?
A reunion is scheduled for August 25—and fans are already bracing for fresh sparks or old feuds to reignite.
Will love last outside the villa, or will the drama continue off-screen?
#LoveIslandUSA #FijiSendoff #RealityRomance #VillaVibes
🎶 Beyoncé’s Unreleased Tracks Stolen in AtlantaTheft Threatens Secrecy Around Cowboy Carter Tour
An unfortunate breach has rocked Beyoncé’s camp, just ahead of her Cowboy Carter tour stop in Atlanta. On July 8, hard drives containing unreleased songs and choreography materials were stolen from a vehicle used by a key member of her creative team.
Authorities have launched an investigation and issued a warrant for arrest, employing tracking tools in an urgent attempt to recover the stolen content. The incident threatens to undermine Beyoncé’s notoriously strict control over her music’s rollout.
Industry insiders say leaks of this magnitude could have serious artistic and commercial consequences.
Should artists be given stronger legal protections against music leaks in today’s digital age?
#Beyonce #MusicLeak #CowboyCarter #AtlantaConcert
🌏 Australia Seeks Balance in Diplomatic Dance with ChinaPM Albanese Plans Talks with Xi Jinping Over Trade and Security
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is preparing for high-stakes diplomacy with Chinese President Xi Jinping, as both nations look to thaw strained relations. The meeting aims to repair economic ties and address national security tensions that have marred recent years.
With tariffs, trade restrictions, and political disputes in the backdrop, the upcoming dialogue is being closely watched by analysts and investors alike. Experts suggest that a successful outcome could boost bilateral trade and restore confidence in regional cooperation.
Yet, navigating between economic benefit and strategic caution remains a tricky act.
Can Australia strike the right balance between prosperity and sovereignty?
#AustraliaChina #TradeTalks #Diplomacy #GeopoliticalStrategy - Unpaid Work: Opportunity or Exploitation?
👨💻 Would you work for free—just to get a foot in the door?
It’s a dilemma many young professionals and job seekers face. Unpaid internships, volunteer roles, and “exposure gigs” are often framed as stepping stones to success. And sometimes, they truly are. But not always.
Let’s be fair—there are cases where working without pay can make sense. If the position offers real-world experience, strong mentorship, valuable industry connections, or leads to a clear path toward paid employment, it may well be a strategic move. But the key lies in clarity. What exactly are you gaining in return?
Too often, unpaid roles are used as a mask for exploitation. Companies take advantage of ambition and desperation—offering little to no support while extracting time, skills, and labor from those who can least afford to give it away. That’s not opportunity. That’s opportunism.
Before agreeing to unpaid work, ask yourself:
What specific skills will I develop here?
Will I be learning from someone experienced?
Is there a clear possibility for paid employment after this?If the answers are vague or the expectations unclear, proceed with caution. Your time and energy are assets. Don’t let anyone treat them as expendable.
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In an ideal world, every worker would be paid. But in the real one, not all opportunities are created equal. Some can launch a career. Others just drain your potential. The difference? Transparency, value, and respect.
So no—working for free isn’t always wrong. But doing so without clear benefits, boundaries, or purpose? That’s a red flag.
Know what you’re worth—and don’t settle for less disguised as a favor.
