News: #US_Congress clears #AGOA extension through 2028; #Ethiopia’s return remains uncertain
The U.S. House of Representatives on 1 September approved the decision by a bipartisan vote of 370–48, after Senate approval in August 2026.
A statement sent to Addis Standard quoted Joshua Walker, Chief International Affairs Officer at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, as saying: “As state-directed, non-market actors seek to expand their commercial and diplomatic footprint across Africa and the Western Hemisphere, AGOA and HOPE/HELP are key to diversifying critical supply chains away from non-democratic actors and supporting constructive U.S. engagement in regions of growing geopolitical importance.”
For Ethiopia, however, the extension does not automatically translate into a return to the program. Ethiopia was removed from AGOA in December 2021 following the escalation of gross human rights abuses in the wake of the brutal war in the Tigray region.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59173
The U.S. House of Representatives on 1 September approved the decision by a bipartisan vote of 370–48, after Senate approval in August 2026.
A statement sent to Addis Standard quoted Joshua Walker, Chief International Affairs Officer at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, as saying: “As state-directed, non-market actors seek to expand their commercial and diplomatic footprint across Africa and the Western Hemisphere, AGOA and HOPE/HELP are key to diversifying critical supply chains away from non-democratic actors and supporting constructive U.S. engagement in regions of growing geopolitical importance.”
For Ethiopia, however, the extension does not automatically translate into a return to the program. Ethiopia was removed from AGOA in December 2021 following the escalation of gross human rights abuses in the wake of the brutal war in the Tigray region.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59173
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News: #Ethiopian Embassy says murder suspect, five accomplices arrested in #Saudi_Arabia; over 100 held over social media content
Ethiopia’s Embassy in Riyadh says a suspected perpetrator of a recent murder involving Ethiopian nationals in Saudi Arabia, along with 5 alleged accomplices, has been arrested as authorities investigate reports of violence in border and desert areas.
In a statement issued on 1 September, the embassy said it had been closely monitoring reports circulating on social media concerning clashes, violence and killings involving some Ethiopian community members in border and desert areas of Saudi Arabia.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59176
Ethiopia’s Embassy in Riyadh says a suspected perpetrator of a recent murder involving Ethiopian nationals in Saudi Arabia, along with 5 alleged accomplices, has been arrested as authorities investigate reports of violence in border and desert areas.
In a statement issued on 1 September, the embassy said it had been closely monitoring reports circulating on social media concerning clashes, violence and killings involving some Ethiopian community members in border and desert areas of Saudi Arabia.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59176
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#China's Xi urges new Middle East security framework during #Egypt visit
Chinese President #Xi_Jinping called on Middle Eastern nations to oppose external interference and consider reshaping the region's security order during a visit to Egypt on Wednesday, as #Beijing seeks to expand its influence amid the #US war against #Iran.
Xi's first trip to the Middle East in four years comes as U.S. partners in the region reassess their strategic relationships after months of conflict that have disrupted trade, shaken economies and raised questions about Washington's long-term role.
Egypt, itself a major U.S. defence partner that receives around $1.3 billion annually in military aid from #Washington, has been steadily increasing economic and military cooperation with China in recent years.
Welcomed by President Abdel Fattah #al_Sisi with a military ceremony in #Cairo, Xi said countries in the region.....
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/egypt-welcomes-xi-beijing-expands-influence-middle-east-2026-09-02/
Chinese President #Xi_Jinping called on Middle Eastern nations to oppose external interference and consider reshaping the region's security order during a visit to Egypt on Wednesday, as #Beijing seeks to expand its influence amid the #US war against #Iran.
Xi's first trip to the Middle East in four years comes as U.S. partners in the region reassess their strategic relationships after months of conflict that have disrupted trade, shaken economies and raised questions about Washington's long-term role.
Egypt, itself a major U.S. defence partner that receives around $1.3 billion annually in military aid from #Washington, has been steadily increasing economic and military cooperation with China in recent years.
Welcomed by President Abdel Fattah #al_Sisi with a military ceremony in #Cairo, Xi said countries in the region.....
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/egypt-welcomes-xi-beijing-expands-influence-middle-east-2026-09-02/
News: #Wajirat officials warn of looming human, livestock deaths as drought devastates #southeastern #Tigray
The warning came during a field visit on 01 September by leaders of the Southeastern Zone and Wajirat district to Sena’ale, Genti and Tsehafti kebeles, where officials assessed ongoing emergency response efforts and called for additional measures to address what they described as severe drought and famine risks.
Chief Administrator Silthan Kelali said the district has received no significant rainfall, exposing communities across all its administrative areas to an escalating risk of starvation affecting both people and livestock.
Haileselassie Gebreselassie, Deputy Chief Administrator and Head of Economic Development for Tigray’s Southeastern Zone, said the crisis extends beyond Wajirat, with six of the zone’s eight districts affected by severe weather shocks.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59178
The warning came during a field visit on 01 September by leaders of the Southeastern Zone and Wajirat district to Sena’ale, Genti and Tsehafti kebeles, where officials assessed ongoing emergency response efforts and called for additional measures to address what they described as severe drought and famine risks.
Chief Administrator Silthan Kelali said the district has received no significant rainfall, exposing communities across all its administrative areas to an escalating risk of starvation affecting both people and livestock.
Haileselassie Gebreselassie, Deputy Chief Administrator and Head of Economic Development for Tigray’s Southeastern Zone, said the crisis extends beyond Wajirat, with six of the zone’s eight districts affected by severe weather shocks.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59178
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#Wajirat officials warn of looming human, livestock deaths as drought devastates #southeastern #Tigray
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President Xi’s visit highlights deepening #China-#Egypt military ties
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Cairo on Tuesday for his first visit to Egypt in a decade, with growing military and security cooperation between the two countries adding a strategic dimension to the visit.
In August, Egypt hosted its second joint military exercise with China, involving Chinese J-16 fighter jets and French-made Rafales. The drills marked the first deployment of China’s J-16s to Africa and underscored Cairo’s expanding defence relationship with Beijing.
The military engagement comes as Egypt seeks to diversify its defence partnerships while maintaining its longstanding military relationship with the United States, its major security ally and source of substantial military assistance.
Xi’s visit also marks 70 years of diplomatic relations. China and Egypt established ties in 1956, with Egypt becoming the first Arab & African country to recognize China.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BgTfiNp2x/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Cairo on Tuesday for his first visit to Egypt in a decade, with growing military and security cooperation between the two countries adding a strategic dimension to the visit.
In August, Egypt hosted its second joint military exercise with China, involving Chinese J-16 fighter jets and French-made Rafales. The drills marked the first deployment of China’s J-16s to Africa and underscored Cairo’s expanding defence relationship with Beijing.
The military engagement comes as Egypt seeks to diversify its defence partnerships while maintaining its longstanding military relationship with the United States, its major security ally and source of substantial military assistance.
Xi’s visit also marks 70 years of diplomatic relations. China and Egypt established ties in 1956, with Egypt becoming the first Arab & African country to recognize China.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BgTfiNp2x/?mibextid=wwXIfr
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#Iran fires on its Gulf neighbors, retaliating for #US strikes after a wedding was hit
Iran fired on U.S. allies in the #Gulf early Wednesday following a night of #American bombardment that Iranian state media says included a deadly strike on a wedding party.
Sirens sounded in #Kuwait, where air defenses were intercepting missile and drone attacks during a “blatant Iranian aggression,” the country’s Ministry of Defense said on X.
The latest violence came after a monthlong lull in fighting. The six-month war has led to a spike in oil prices, roiled the global economy and posed increasing political problems for U.S. President Donald Trump’s Republican Party ahead of November midterm elections.
Fighting has escalated since the American military hit Iranian rocket launchers on an island in the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend, saying Iran was planning to use them to lay mines. Iran retaliated by......
https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-strikes-hormuz-trump-september-2-2026-cc891e22860d7a53bf7ade9a3d74c0ae
Iran fired on U.S. allies in the #Gulf early Wednesday following a night of #American bombardment that Iranian state media says included a deadly strike on a wedding party.
Sirens sounded in #Kuwait, where air defenses were intercepting missile and drone attacks during a “blatant Iranian aggression,” the country’s Ministry of Defense said on X.
The latest violence came after a monthlong lull in fighting. The six-month war has led to a spike in oil prices, roiled the global economy and posed increasing political problems for U.S. President Donald Trump’s Republican Party ahead of November midterm elections.
Fighting has escalated since the American military hit Iranian rocket launchers on an island in the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend, saying Iran was planning to use them to lay mines. Iran retaliated by......
https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-strikes-hormuz-trump-september-2-2026-cc891e22860d7a53bf7ade9a3d74c0ae
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#Somalia: Laftagareen-aligned forces launch new offensive in #Baidoa amid #South_West leadership crisis
Darawish forces loyal to former South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed “Laftagareen” have launched a new offensive in Baidoa, clashing with Somali federal troops and forces backing the Mogadishu-aligned administration led by Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur “Madobe.”
Heavy gunfire was reported early on Thursday in several neighbourhoods, including Al-Axmaar and Al-Faras.
According to Baidoa Online, a spokesman for Laftagareen’s forces, Ugaas Hassan, announced an operation to “liberate” Baidoa, urging federal soldiers to surrender, fighters to protect civilians and residents to remain indoors. The scale of the ongoing fighting, casualties and territorial control could not immediately be verified.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19RwSJ1QMy/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Darawish forces loyal to former South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed “Laftagareen” have launched a new offensive in Baidoa, clashing with Somali federal troops and forces backing the Mogadishu-aligned administration led by Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur “Madobe.”
Heavy gunfire was reported early on Thursday in several neighbourhoods, including Al-Axmaar and Al-Faras.
According to Baidoa Online, a spokesman for Laftagareen’s forces, Ugaas Hassan, announced an operation to “liberate” Baidoa, urging federal soldiers to surrender, fighters to protect civilians and residents to remain indoors. The scale of the ongoing fighting, casualties and territorial control could not immediately be verified.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19RwSJ1QMy/?mibextid=wwXIfr
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#Commentary: #Ethiopia’s Multinational Federalism, Limits of National Dialogue: Why #Finfinnee and #Dirree cannot be bargaining chips
In this commentary, Jemal Hebeno, Habtamu Abino, and Girma Gutema argue that bringing #Addis Abeba and #Dire_Dawa into Ethiopia's #National_Dialogue as open-ended political questions is a fundamental misstep.
They emphasise that these cities involve deep constitutional and historical rights that the commission lacks the sovereign authority to rewrite or bargain away.
The authors note that "a dialogue can facilitate consent; it cannot manufacture it."
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59183
In this commentary, Jemal Hebeno, Habtamu Abino, and Girma Gutema argue that bringing #Addis Abeba and #Dire_Dawa into Ethiopia's #National_Dialogue as open-ended political questions is a fundamental misstep.
They emphasise that these cities involve deep constitutional and historical rights that the commission lacks the sovereign authority to rewrite or bargain away.
The authors note that "a dialogue can facilitate consent; it cannot manufacture it."
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59183
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News: #Somali official confirms troops crossed into #Ethiopia amid defection reports
Somalia’s National Security Adviser Aways Haji Yusuf has confirmed that Somali National Army (#SNA) troops who recently completed a #Saudi Arabia-funded training program have crossed into Ethiopia’s #Somali Regional State, saying they were on leave to visit their families.
Yusuf made the disclosure, marking the first official confirmation that the soldiers, who underwent more than a year of training at Hananbure in Somalia’s Galmudug State, are currently in Ethiopia’s Somali region.
“The federal government is aware of their presence in the region for that purpose,” Yusuf told reporters, according to a report by Somaliguardian. “If there are other issues, we will let you [the media] know.”
The admission follows reports by several Somali media outlets, including media based in Ethiopia’s........
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02oE4gAWydzVnzq9rPsEDUWpuR43WJSAhFHFtmBMcteDCvccc3qGuzC2E2vJZW3E1fl
Somalia’s National Security Adviser Aways Haji Yusuf has confirmed that Somali National Army (#SNA) troops who recently completed a #Saudi Arabia-funded training program have crossed into Ethiopia’s #Somali Regional State, saying they were on leave to visit their families.
Yusuf made the disclosure, marking the first official confirmation that the soldiers, who underwent more than a year of training at Hananbure in Somalia’s Galmudug State, are currently in Ethiopia’s Somali region.
“The federal government is aware of their presence in the region for that purpose,” Yusuf told reporters, according to a report by Somaliguardian. “If there are other issues, we will let you [the media] know.”
The admission follows reports by several Somali media outlets, including media based in Ethiopia’s........
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02oE4gAWydzVnzq9rPsEDUWpuR43WJSAhFHFtmBMcteDCvccc3qGuzC2E2vJZW3E1fl
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#Op_ed: National Emergency Hiding in Plain Sight: Confronting #Ethiopia’s education crisis, saving generation behind failed exams
Ethiopia’s recent national examination results—showing that the vast majority of Grade 12 students failed to meet the passing mark—reveal a systemic crisis rather than an isolated failure, writes Mistella Mekonnen Zewede.
She notes, "When massive cohorts of high school seniors reach the end of their schooling academically unprepared for higher education, the public debate must shift."
Mistella underscores that addressing this emergency requires looking beyond examination scores to strengthen teacher support, address the effects of conflict and trauma, and expand vocational pathways.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59186
Ethiopia’s recent national examination results—showing that the vast majority of Grade 12 students failed to meet the passing mark—reveal a systemic crisis rather than an isolated failure, writes Mistella Mekonnen Zewede.
She notes, "When massive cohorts of high school seniors reach the end of their schooling academically unprepared for higher education, the public debate must shift."
Mistella underscores that addressing this emergency requires looking beyond examination scores to strengthen teacher support, address the effects of conflict and trauma, and expand vocational pathways.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59186
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News: #Sudan’s Burhan inspects army’s readiness in #Blue_Nile State amid escalating clashes and reported RSF buildup near #Ethiopia border
Sudanese Sovereign Council Chairman and army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan inspected military forces and operational readiness in Blue Nile State as clashes intensify between the Sudanese Armed Forces (#SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (#RSF) and its ally, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (#SPLM-N), near the Ethiopian border.
Burhan visited #Damazin, the capital of Blue Nile State, where he inspected the army’s 4th Infantry Division and received briefings on the security and operational situation, according to an army statement cited by Anadolu News Agency.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59196
Sudanese Sovereign Council Chairman and army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan inspected military forces and operational readiness in Blue Nile State as clashes intensify between the Sudanese Armed Forces (#SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (#RSF) and its ally, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (#SPLM-N), near the Ethiopian border.
Burhan visited #Damazin, the capital of Blue Nile State, where he inspected the army’s 4th Infantry Division and received briefings on the security and operational situation, according to an army statement cited by Anadolu News Agency.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59196
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News: #Ethiopian Airlines nears deal for up to 10 Boeing cargo planes
Ethiopian Airlines is nearing a deal to acquire up to 10 long-haul #Boeing freighter aircraft as the national carrier moves to expand its cargo operations and strengthen its position as a major aviation hub in #Africa, according to Reuters, citing two industry sources.
The potential order is expected to include two of Boeing’s current-generation #777F_freighters, while the remaining aircraft could be the manufacturer’s delayed 777-8F model, the sources told Reuters. One source said the order could comprise between 8 and 10 aircraft, although last-minute adjustments remain possible.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59200
Ethiopian Airlines is nearing a deal to acquire up to 10 long-haul #Boeing freighter aircraft as the national carrier moves to expand its cargo operations and strengthen its position as a major aviation hub in #Africa, according to Reuters, citing two industry sources.
The potential order is expected to include two of Boeing’s current-generation #777F_freighters, while the remaining aircraft could be the manufacturer’s delayed 777-8F model, the sources told Reuters. One source said the order could comprise between 8 and 10 aircraft, although last-minute adjustments remain possible.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59200
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#Somaliland president heads to #US on first official visit amid recognition push
Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro has departed for the United States for his first official working visit since taking office, as Hargeisa intensifies its diplomatic campaign for broader international recognition.
According to the Somaliland presidency, Irro will travel to the US via the United Arab Emirates. The presidency did not disclose the duration of the visit or provide details of the officials and institutions the president is expected to meet.
The visit is being framed by Hargeisa as a significant diplomatic mission aimed at strengthening relations with Washington and expanding cooperation in security and economic development. It is also expected to focus on attracting foreign investment and advancing Somaliland’s longstanding campaign for international recognition.
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/2095506054276694360?s=20
Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro has departed for the United States for his first official working visit since taking office, as Hargeisa intensifies its diplomatic campaign for broader international recognition.
According to the Somaliland presidency, Irro will travel to the US via the United Arab Emirates. The presidency did not disclose the duration of the visit or provide details of the officials and institutions the president is expected to meet.
The visit is being framed by Hargeisa as a significant diplomatic mission aimed at strengthening relations with Washington and expanding cooperation in security and economic development. It is also expected to focus on attracting foreign investment and advancing Somaliland’s longstanding campaign for international recognition.
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/2095506054276694360?s=20
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#Sudan’s Burhan inspects army’s readiness in #Blue_Nile State amid escalating clashes and reported RSF buildup near #Ethiopia border
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In-depth analysis: Failed rains, broken livelihoods: #Janamora’s farmers confront #hunger, #loss and #despair
In the drought-stricken highlands of Janamora Woreda in #North_Gonder zone of #Amhara region, the failure of seasonal rains is destroying far more than crops.
Among those caught in the unfolding crisis is Werqu Esmaeil, a 40-year-old farmer and father of three from Wasel Kebele in Janamora Woreda.
Werqu told Addis Standard that the prolonged drought has not only destroyed his livelihood but also separated him from his family and pushed him into severe psychological distress.
“I am a father of three children. Because of the drought, I could not feed my wife and my children. They all left me, and I stayed home alone,” Werqu said.
Tazebew Nigus, another farmer in the area, said residents are facing a crisis unlike anything they can remember.
“We have never experienced this kind of situation before,” Tazebew told Addis Standard.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59189
In the drought-stricken highlands of Janamora Woreda in #North_Gonder zone of #Amhara region, the failure of seasonal rains is destroying far more than crops.
Among those caught in the unfolding crisis is Werqu Esmaeil, a 40-year-old farmer and father of three from Wasel Kebele in Janamora Woreda.
Werqu told Addis Standard that the prolonged drought has not only destroyed his livelihood but also separated him from his family and pushed him into severe psychological distress.
“I am a father of three children. Because of the drought, I could not feed my wife and my children. They all left me, and I stayed home alone,” Werqu said.
Tazebew Nigus, another farmer in the area, said residents are facing a crisis unlike anything they can remember.
“We have never experienced this kind of situation before,” Tazebew told Addis Standard.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=59189
#Putin cites chance of peace deal, #Ukraine sees 'new dynamic'
#Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday there was a chance of reaching an agreement to end the war in Ukraine, while #Kyiv said it expected a "new dynamic" in peace efforts.
Putin, speaking at an economic forum in Russia's far east, said a number of countries including the U.S. and China were ready to support a peace settlement.
"Ultimately, however, the problem must be resolved by the countries involved in the conflict — Russia and Ukraine," he said. "We are grateful to everyone attempting to contribute to a settlement. Is there a chance? In my view, yes, there is."
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha told reporters in Kyiv: "I believe that we will now have a new dynamic in the peace efforts, with the return of this active phase of political and diplomatic engagement in many capitals around......
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/putin-cites-chance-peace-deal-says-ukrainian-aviation-warning-makes-it-harder-2026-09-03/
#Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday there was a chance of reaching an agreement to end the war in Ukraine, while #Kyiv said it expected a "new dynamic" in peace efforts.
Putin, speaking at an economic forum in Russia's far east, said a number of countries including the U.S. and China were ready to support a peace settlement.
"Ultimately, however, the problem must be resolved by the countries involved in the conflict — Russia and Ukraine," he said. "We are grateful to everyone attempting to contribute to a settlement. Is there a chance? In my view, yes, there is."
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha told reporters in Kyiv: "I believe that we will now have a new dynamic in the peace efforts, with the return of this active phase of political and diplomatic engagement in many capitals around......
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/putin-cites-chance-peace-deal-says-ukrainian-aviation-warning-makes-it-harder-2026-09-03/
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At least 12 countries arming #Sudan’s warring factions, #US adviser says
At least 12 nations are providing military support to the warring parties in Sudan, fueling an escalating conflict across the country, U.S. Senior Advisor on #Africa and #Asia Massad Boulos said.
Speaking in an interview with the BBC’s Focus on Africa, Boulos said that external military backing for both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has surged sharply in recent weeks and months.
“There are probably at least 12 countries that are, in one way or the other, providing military support,” Boulos said, describing the influx of weapons and assistance as a “very sad” development that must be brought to an immediate halt.
The senior adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump declined to identify the specific states involved, maintaining that their identities are already well known across the international community.
He noted that all neighbouring states in the.......
https://sudantribune.com/article/318305
At least 12 nations are providing military support to the warring parties in Sudan, fueling an escalating conflict across the country, U.S. Senior Advisor on #Africa and #Asia Massad Boulos said.
Speaking in an interview with the BBC’s Focus on Africa, Boulos said that external military backing for both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has surged sharply in recent weeks and months.
“There are probably at least 12 countries that are, in one way or the other, providing military support,” Boulos said, describing the influx of weapons and assistance as a “very sad” development that must be brought to an immediate halt.
The senior adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump declined to identify the specific states involved, maintaining that their identities are already well known across the international community.
He noted that all neighbouring states in the.......
https://sudantribune.com/article/318305