UK couple’s dream home extension turns into “nightmare”, ends in arrests world News

UK couple's dream home extension
Rob and Lucy Davis’ dream home extension turns into “nightmare”, ending in arrests/Image: BBC

What started as a routine home extension for a UK couple later turned into a “nightmare” that left their home damaged and both of them in police custody for some time.Rob and Lucy Davies, a couple from Basildon, Essex, hired Steve Figg to build a single-storey extension, expecting the work to be completed within 12 weeks. Instead, the project dragged on for months and their home was left in a dangerous condition. Figg, 35, had already taken £44,000 but failed to complete the job. The situation worsened when he reported the couple to police, accusing them of harassment and claiming he wanted to kill them, the BBC reports.The couple were arrested at their workplaces and spent 22 hours in custody before being released. Later the police issued an apology.Describing the condition of his home, Rob Davies said: “The only way I could tell was that our house looked like a bomb site,” with parts of the property left open, including a large hole where the kitchen should have been, putting parts of the structure at risk of collapse.Incomplete work has made even daily life difficult. Rats entered through cracks in the walls and it became difficult to keep the house warm. Davis said the experience deeply affected their relationship, saying, “It was an absolute nightmare… It tested our marriage.”The couple said they spent around £75,000 in total, including £28,000 repairing the damage and additional legal costs.An investigation by Basildon Council’s building control team later found numerous breaches of regulations. Figg, who runs Figg Construction Ltd, admitted 22 breaches and was ordered to pay £85,000 in compensation.The BBC also found that Davis was not the only one affected. Other customers have also come forward with similar complaints, including claims that their homes were left structurally unsafe. In one case, a woman said Figg damaged her garden office during a dispute over payment.Reflecting on the experience, Davis said that Feig “pretends to be a guy who can do all these things, but, when you get beneath the surface, he’s incapable.”The case highlights the risks that homeowners can face when construction projects go awry and raises broader concerns about oversight in small building projects.

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Chaos in Iran’s hospitals: Chaos in Iran’s hospitals amid strike captured on CCTV; Patient and staff were seen scuffling

Chaos in Iran's hospitals amid attacks, captured in CCTV; Patient and staff were seen scuffling

Surveillance footage from the early days of the war shows chaotic scenes inside Tehran’s hospitals as airstrikes hit nearby areas.Video recently released by the Iranian Red Crescent Society captured medical staff struggling to evacuate patients during the bombing. In one clip, a nurse is seen carrying three newborns to safety, while in another, a baby is taken to an ambulance soon after birth. Staff are also seen placing babies in fruit baskets to get them out of danger quickly.There has been conflict in Iran since the US-Israel launched Operation Epic Fury on February 28. Since then, tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and the broader Persian Gulf region have escalated rapidly, leading to almost complete disruption of oil shipments and repeated naval confrontations. US President in latest developments donald trump Iran ordered military action against small boats and stepped up mine-clearing operations in the strait, raising fears of an escalation. The US also seized another tanker linked to Iranian oil smuggling, while Iran reportedly seized two cargo ships in response, deepening maritime chaos in the region. Diplomatic efforts remain fragile, with Trump announcing a temporary extension of the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah after White House talks, even as hostilities continued. Meanwhile, Iran says its leadership is united despite US claims of internal divisions.

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Bounty on Iraqi terrorist: US offers $10 million reward, possible transfer for information on leader of Iran-backed Iraqi armed group

US offers $10 million reward, possible transfer, for information about leader of Iran-backed Iraqi armed group

The US State Department has announced a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the arrest of Hashim Finyan Rahim al-Sarji, also known as Abu Ala al-Walaei, the leader of the Tehran-backed Iraqi armed group Kataeb Sayyid al-Shuhada (KSS), which Washington designates as a terrorist organization.In a post on Twitter on Friday, US officials said they were seeking information about al-Saraji’s whereabouts. People providing information “may be eligible for transfers and rewards,” the post said.Washington said the KSS “has killed Iraqi civilians and attacked US diplomatic facilities in Iraq, as well as US military bases and personnel in Iraq and Syria.”According to AFP, al-Saraji has a seat in the Coordination Framework, the ruling Shia coalition that holds the parliamentary majority in Iraq.Iran-backed groups have targeted the US Embassy in Baghdad, a diplomatic and logistics facility at Baghdad airport and oil fields operated by foreign companies.This incident has happened amid increased tension middle east The region follows a week-long conflict involving the US, Iran and Israel, which began on February 28 when the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, followed by retaliatory strikes on US bases in Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Syria, a move that reportedly “surprised” even the Trump administration. A fragile ceasefire in the wider conflict was extended on Thursday.Earlier this month, the US announced a similar bounty for the leader of the Iraqi armed group Kataib Hezbollah, whose leader was accused of kidnapping US journalist Shelley Kittleson last month and was released a week later.Washington has also stepped up pressure on Baghdad to take action against pro-Tehran groups by suspending cash shipments and blocking funding for security programs in Iraq, according to US media reports this week.

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‘Naughty or nice?’: Trump ranks NATO allies based on defense spending and support in Iran war

Exposed: Trump's secret NATO scorecard splits allies into 'naughty or nice' in Iran war loyalty test

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The White House has developed a ‘naughty and nice’ list of NATO countries, ranking member states based on their contributions to the alliance and their stance during the ongoing Iran war, the White House said.The move is seen as part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to put pressure on allies that did not support Washington’s position during the war.

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Exposed: Trump’s secret NATO scorecard splits allies into ‘naughty or nice’ in Iran war loyalty test

According to officials familiar with the plan, NATO members are placed in different tiers based on defense spending, military cooperation and operational support.According to Politico, the assessment was reportedly prepared ahead of NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte’s visit to Washington, in which officials reviewed how each member contributes to collective security.The idea was mooted last year by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. He had previously outlined the concept of rewarding countries that meet US expectations on defense spending and military cooperation.“Model allies who have stepped up, such as Israel, South Korea, Poland, increasingly Germany, the Baltics and others, will receive our special favors,” he said. “Allies who still fail to do their part for collective defense will face consequences,” Hegseth said.The Pentagon has also reinforced this approach in its National Defense Strategy, stating that cooperation will be prioritized as allies ‘do their part’ for collective defense and shared security goals.One of the diplomats said the list seemed to reflect that concept. “There’s a naughty and nice tabloid in the White House so I think the thinking is the same way,” the person said, according to Politico.The assessment is also linked to recent tensions within NATO over the Iran conflict, particularly the Strait of Hormuz crisis, and US military operations. Officials said the rankings could influence decisions on which countries are offered more military cooperation or strategic support in future campaigns.The Trump administration has expressed frustration with allies who did not support U.S. requests during the conflict, including participation in operations or access to military bases.

Division among NATO members

Reports suggest that countries such as Romania and Poland were more cooperative, allowing the US to use air bases and logistics support during Middle East campaigns. Poland, already one of NATO’s highest defense spenders, also hosts about 10,000 US troops and covers most of the related costs. Romania’s expanded Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base has also been used for US military operations.In contrast, countries including Spain and some other Western European allies reportedly resisted or delayed US requests for aid. Meanwhile, Baltic countries such as Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia have been consistently praised for meeting or exceeding defense spending targets.Officials said possible consequences for countries placed lower on the list could include reduced troop deployments, fewer joint exercises or changes in military sales and cooperation. However, he also acknowledged that relocating the US military presence within Europe would be costly, complex, and logistically difficult.One European official highlighted that troop redeployment options would also largely shift U.S. forces between allies rather than removing them from Europe entirely.

Limited clarity on enforcement

Despite the discussion, officials have provided little clarity on how strictly the ranking system will be enforced or what the specific ‘rewards’ or ‘penalties’ will be. Some diplomats familiar with the discussions said the administration itself was unsure how to implement the idea.One European official described the concept as still not fully developed, suggesting that troop movement is an option, but it could put more strain on US resources than punish allies.However, the White House has defended its approach. Spokeswoman Anna Kelly said the United States has long supported allies who now need to contribute more.“Although the United States has always been there for our so-called allies, the countries we protect with thousands of troops were not there for us during Operation Epic Fury,” he said, referring to the Pentagon’s designation for the Iran-related operation.“President Trump has made clear his views on this unfair dynamic, and as he said, the United States will remember that,” he said.US Senator Roger Wicker said it is “not helpful when American leaders talk about our alliances with derision,” warning that alliances bring ‘political, strategic and moral benefits’ to the country.Wicker said, “It is not helpful when American leaders talk about our alliances with derision. We must be clear about the many political, strategic, and moral benefits our alliances provide to the country.”Former officials have also questioned whether the Trump administration has the capacity to pursue such a sweeping realignment of alliance relationships while managing ongoing global crises.

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Mojtaba Khamenei: Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei waiting for artificial leg after the attack, severe burns on his face: Report

हमले के बाद कृत्रिम पैर का इंतजार कर रहे ईरान के सर्वोच्च नेता मोजतबा खामेनेई का चेहरा गंभीर रूप से झुलस गया: रिपोर्टMojtaba Khamenei He faces serious medical challenges after surviving a bomb attack, raising questions about his ability to take complete control of the country amid war and delicate armistice negotiations.Khamenei has undergone surgery on his hand, suffered severe burns on his face and is awaiting a prosthetic leg following injuries sustained in the attack, The New York Times reports.Although he is mentally capable of taking decisions, his physical condition significantly limits his direct participation.

limited control, irgc influence increases

Four officials familiar with the matter, cited by The New York Times, said Khamenei had minimal contact with Iranian generals during the ongoing talks. Analysts suggest this has created a power vacuum that has been quickly filled by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).“Mojtaba is not yet in full command or control,” Sanam Vakil of Chatham House told the NYT. He said the decisions are often presented to him as a “failed achievement”.Ali Waze of the International Crisis Group echoed this view, saying, “Mojtaba is not supreme; he may be the leader in name, but he is not supreme like his father… Mojtaba is subordinate to the Revolutionary Guards,” as quoted by the NYT.

Change in governance amid pressure of war

According to the NYT, the IRGC played a decisive role in blocking planned talks with the United States in Islamabad, sidelining Iran’s civilian leadership, including President Massoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.Khamenei, who succeeded his father Ali Khamenei after his death in US-Israeli attacks, has not made any public appearances or verbal statements since taking office, reportedly to avoid appearing weak.Read this also‘Don’t rush me’: Trump refuses to set deadline for Iran resolution; rejects the nuclear optionInstead, communication with them is being done through sealed, hand-delivered letters.

‘Board-style’ leadership emerges

Describing the emerging power structure, former adviser Abdolreza Dawri told the NYT, “Mojtaba is managing the country as if he is a board of directors… a member of the general board.”The change marks a departure from the previous centralized authority under his father, with military commanders now playing a more prominent role in decision making.The development comes as an indefinite ceasefire remains in place between Iran and the United States, with both sides assessing ways to restart talks and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.However, with internal power dynamics in flux and the IRGC claiming greater control, the prospects for diplomacy remain uncertain.

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Trump reclassifies state-licensed medical marijuana as a less-dangerous drug

ट्रम्प ने राज्य-लाइसेंस प्राप्त चिकित्सा मारिजुआना को कम-खतरनाक दवा के रूप में पुनर्वर्गीकृत कियाThe order signed by Todd Blanch does not legalize marijuana for medical or recreational use under federal law. But it changes the way it is regulated, moving licensed medical marijuana from Schedule I — which is reserved for drugs without medical use and with a high potential for abuse — to the less strictly regulated Schedule III. It gives major tax breaks to licensed medical marijuana operators and reduces some barriers to researching cannabis.The Trump administration also said it is starting the process to more broadly reclassify marijuana, with hearings set to begin in June.Trump in December asked his administration to act as quickly as possible to reclassify marijuana. On Saturday, when the president signed an unrelated executive order regarding psychedelics, he seemed to express frustration that it was taking so long.Blanch said Thursday that the Justice Department is “keeping President Trump’s promise” to expand Americans’ access to medical treatment options. “This redefinition action allows for research on the safety and efficacy of this substance, ultimately providing better care to patients and more reliable information to doctors,” he said.Blanch’s action largely legalizes medical marijuana programs in the 40 states that have adopted them. It establishes an expedited system for state-licensed medical marijuana producers and distributors to register with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.It clarifies that cannabis researchers will not be penalized for obtaining state-licensed marijuana or marijuana-derived products for use in their work, and it gives state-licensed medical marijuana firms a windfall by allowing them, for the first time, to deduct business expenses on their federal taxes.The order represents a major policy shift for the U.S. government, which has continued its long-standing marijuana prohibition in accordance with the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 — even as nearly all states approve some form of cannabis use. Two dozen states besides Washington, D.C., have authorized adult recreational use of marijuana, 40 have medical marijuana systems, and eight others allow low-THC cannabis or CBD oil for medical use. Only Idaho and Kansas have banned marijuana.Michael Bronstein, president of the American Trade Association for Cannabis and Hemp, called it “the most significant advancement in cannabis policy in 50 years.” “This validates what Americans have known for a long time, cannabis is a medicine,” he said.This is a Bloomberg story

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One dead, five injured in shooting at Louisiana mall food court

One dead, five injured in shooting at Louisiana mall food court

At least one person was killed and five others were wounded in a shooting inside the food court of the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge on Friday, authorities said, according to the AP.Police said the shooting occurred due to a clash between two groups and was not a random attack. Baton Rouge Police Chief TJ Morse told the AP that five people were taken into custody and there was no threat to the public.According to police, the incident started around 1.30 pm when an argument between the two groups escalated into firing. Authorities initially said at least 10 people were injured, but later revised the number to five.According to police and eyewitnesses, the firing caused shopkeepers and employees to run here and there for safety. Desiree Batten, who works at a clothing store, said she and co-workers ran to the break room. “We hid there until the police came and arrested us,” Batten said.Police appealed to witnesses to share any video of the shooting. By noon, dozens of police vehicles remained at the scene, helicopters circled overhead and armed officers patrolled.Mall spokeswoman Lindsay Kahn called it a “terrible day” and said the mall would be closed for the day.Witness Kennedy Barnum said he saw people running and crying after hearing the news of an active shooter. “We must leave immediately,” he remembered a security guard saying.

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Were Joe Rogan and Donald Trump in trouble while speaking at UFC 327? Rogan speaks. international sports news

Were Joe Rogan and Donald Trump in trouble while speaking at UFC 327? Rogan speaks
Joe Rogan listens to President Donald Trump speak in the Oval Office of the White House on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demri Nikhinson)

Joe Rogan describes their recent conversation donald trump At the UFC event, he shot down speculations of a rift between the two.The moment attracted attention at UFC 327 in Miami, where his brief exchange with Rogan became a topic of discussion among fans, especially given Rogan’s recent public comments on the White House event and broader issues.Speaking on a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, Rogan said that his exchange with Trump “wasn’t that he was angry at me at all; it was the opposite,” even as his broader stance on the administration has become more critical in recent months.

What happened at UFC 327?

The conversation came after Trump attended UFC 327 in Miami on April 11, where he received a more mixed reaction from the crowd than a previous appearance with UFC President Dana White. During the program, Trump approached Rogan cageside, leading to speculation among fans about the nature of their conversation. Addressing that Recent episode of his podcastRogan rejected the idea of ​​tension. When guest Luis Gomez asked, “The big conspiracy theory is that Trump is angry at you, when he came up to you at the UFC, and he was talking dirty to you?”, Rogan responded, “No, it was the opposite.” He then connected this exchange to a prior discussion about ibogaine, a psychedelic substance that he has advocated in the treatment of mental health conditions. “I said how effective it is, and I said it’s been around for a very long time,” Rogan explained. “And he said, ‘What are you looking for? Are you looking for FDA approval?’ He says, ‘I like it.’ He said, ‘Let’s do it!’

Ibogaine controversy escalates after Joe Rogan shares details with Donald Trump, sparking debate over PTSD treatment and health risks

Ibogaine controversy escalates after Joe Rogan shared details with Donald Trump sparking debate over PTSD treatment and health risks (Image via Getty)

Rogan said that when they met again at a UFC event, Trump said it directly: “Literally he sees me the next day at the UFC, shakes my hand and says ‘It’s done.’ That’s what he was saying and I said, ‘Thank you, sir.’ It wasn’t that he was angry with me at all; It was the opposite.

Executive order and Ibogaine discussion

A few days after that exchange, Trump signs an executive order Its aim is to accelerate research into psychedelic-based treatments. Rogan was present behind the president in the Oval Office during the signing, which Trump said would “dramatically accelerate access to new medical research and treatments based on psychedelic drugs.” The order directs federal agencies to expedite the research, review, and potential approval processes for treatments including ibogaine, particularly for patients with serious mental health conditions who have not responded to existing treatments. Referring to Rogan’s role in raising the issue, Trump said during the Oval Office event: “We all respect Joe and he’s a little more liberal than me. That’s OK. I have a lot of friends who are liberal. Joe is a wonderful guy. He wrote me a little note about it, and I checked it out. Everybody came back with the same answer.”

Rogan’s criticism of White House UFC card

Despite that access, Rogan has Are openly criticizing the planned UFC event at the White House, known as UFC Freedom 250 or the White House card, is scheduled to take place on June 14. He confirmed that he would be part of the commentary team but made clear his reservations about the programme. “Yeah, I’m not thrilled about that (incident),” Rogan said. “Yeah, I’ll be there but I’m not thrilled about it, it doesn’t seem like a smart idea… It’s kind of a gimmick, you know, it is.” He also noted how the card has been received by fans, noting that expectations may have contributed to the criticism. “And people are criticizing the card but if it was any other card it would have been a great card, it’s just that they’re criticizing it because they said it would be the greatest card ever.” Rogan said the setting itself raises logistical and safety concerns. “It would also be a security nightmare.”

Concerns about time and global stress

Rogan’s gravest concerns are with the timing of the event, particularly given the ongoing tensions with the United States in the Middle East. “It feels crazy,” he said on his podcast. “I know it would be very high security and high tension and weird to have a fight at the White House in the middle of a war.” He said that although tensions are expected to ease, he is not sure this will happen in time. “I hope the war will be resolved by June, but honestly I don’t believe that will happen.” “It will be strange, it will be a very high-profile event where everyone will be in one place at one time.”

Widespread change in Rogan’s stance on Trump

Rogan had supported Trump ahead of the 2024 election, but his stance has changed, with criticism coming in several areas of policy. He has taken issue with federal immigration enforcement operations, particularly ICE raids, saying agents were targeting “the easiest pickings”, and later argued that masked federal officers were “a problem on the streets of our city” during operations in Minneapolis following the fatal shootings of residents Renee Good and Alex Pabretti. On foreign policy, Rogan has also Questioned the attitude of the administration to Iran, suggesting a connection to domestic political issues. He said, “Look, the Epstein files have come out, we’re going to war with Iran.” These posts mark a clear distance from Trump, even as the two continue to interact publicly at events such as UFC fights.

where things stand

Despite raising concerns about Trump’s approach to issues such as immigration, foreign policy and the broader direction of the administration, Rogan remains involved with the UFC and is still expected to be a part of his White House schedule. His continued outreach and visible rapport with Trump, including their UFC talks and Oval Office appearances, puts him in a rare position of maintaining a cordial relationship while still openly pushing for areas with which he clearly disagrees.

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‘Charlie Kirk was against you on H-1B’: Meet Indian-origin Aryan Pathak who confronted Vivek Ramaswamy on MAGA’s Hindu hatred

'एच-1बी पर चार्ली किर्क आपके खिलाफ थे': मिलिए भारतीय मूल के आर्यन पाठक से जिन्होंने एमएजीए की हिंदू नफरत पर विवेक रामास्वामी का विरोध किया

Aryan Pathak, an Indian-origin student in the TPUSA program at Ohio State University, asked Vivek Ramaswamy about MAGA’s Hindu hatred.

Aryan Pathak, an Indian-origin student, asked the Republican Ohio gubernatorial candidate some tough questions on the ‘hypocrisy’ of the GOP when Ramaswamy addressed a recent TPUSA event at Ohio State University. Introducing himself as an OSU student, Pathak asked Ramaswamy why a TPUSA reporter had recently mocked a Hindu temple in Texas, but Ramaswamy, a Hindu GOP leader, was sitting at his event. He also told Ramaswamy that Charlie Kirk was against Ramaswamy on the H-1B visa program.“How can I call myself a true Republican when there are a growing number of people who, because of the color of my skin, because of what I believe in, and because of my practice of religious faith, see me as someone who is not part of their tradition?” Pathak asked, pointing out that on one hand, the number of Asian-Americans in the GOP is increasing and on the other, hatred against them is increasing. He asked if this was the GOP’s strategy for the post-Trump era.Ramaswami said he criticized both the woke left and the radical right. Ramaswami said, “I am nobody’s pawn, I am my own man. I report to nobody but myself and at the end of the day to God, who I believe puts each of us here for a purpose and secondly I will never defend the inevitable.”Ramaswami said, “When I was the CEO of all the companies that were buying it, I criticized the leftist ideology. I went the other way. I will not be sorry and I will not mince words in criticizing the same type of semi-socialist, semi-discriminatory, self-hating ideology emerging on the right. Wherever I see it, I will say it in 360 degrees.” He said he believes in true conservative policies, which means believing in success.On Charlie Kirk’s opposition to H-1B, a visa program that Ramaswamy supports but now mostly avoids, Ramaswamy said hypocrisy is everywhere in life. “It’s not a good thing that you can pick out any one person’s quote and match it to their party. That’s the beauty of the conservative movement and one of the reasons I worked hard to get Donald Trump elected in 2024 is that I believe there’s a big tent with room for healthy disagreement like we’re doing tonight.Ramaswamy said, “Charlie and I became very close. We would have debates where we agreed on 95% of things. We disagreed on 5% but demonstrated a culture of mutual respect that was at least committed to the principles of the American founding.”

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N3On: Streamer N3on admits to paying Clippers $1.4 million to make its content go viral

Streamer N3on Admits Paying Clippers $1.4 Million to Make Its Content Viral

Streamer N3on has made a surprising revelation about how online fame grows. He said that he gives huge amount of money to the people who called “shear” Which helps in making its content viral. These clippers take short and interesting parts of the live stream and post them on social media platforms. This helps their videos reach millions of people instantly. N3on explained that this strategy is one of the main reasons why his streams get so much attention online.N3on, whose real name is Rangesh Mutama, is a famous streamer on Kik youtube. She is popular among the young audience due to her energetic style and bold content. With time he has become a big name in the world of streaming. However, he has also faced some controversies. Nevertheless, their content continues to grow, mainly because short clips of live streams often spread widely on social media and bring in huge visibility.

Streamer N3on Admits Spent $1.4M on Clippers to Promote Viral Clips and Massive Online Growth

N3on shared that they spent approximately $1.4 million on the Clippers in just five weeks. These clippers are part of a larger network of people who work to cut and share moments from his stream. Their job is to find exciting parts and turn them into short videos that can go viral.

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N3on Explains How Streamers Really Make Money nick cannon’s big drive

According to a report by Business Insider, which first shared the details from documents provided by N3on’s team, this clipping system is a key part of their growth strategy.He said there are about 1,000 clippers working for him. Many of them are located in countries like India and Nigeria. They are paid based on how many views their clip gets. On average, they earn about $40 for every 100,000 views. Sometimes, if he wants more promotion the payment can go up to $50.N3on also explained the difference between a live audience and a viral clip. His stream may have around 40,000 live viewers, but a single clip can reach 50 million views. This big difference is what makes clipping so powerful for him.He gave the example of a stream with former rapper Iggy Azalea on a yacht. The live stream itself wasn’t huge, but the clips made it extremely popular and exciting. Because of those clips, the stream went viral on social media.For N3on, this clipping system is now a big part of its success. Even though it costs a lot of money, they believe it helps them grow faster and reach a larger audience online.

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