May 2025 News Round‑up on Kroonstad News Hub

Welcome to the May archive! We’ve gathered the most talked‑about stories that landed on our site this month. From a bold military move in Nigeria to a cheap‑price phone with a fancy camera button, and even a pizza maker that froze dough with liquid nitrogen – there’s a lot to catch up on.

Nigerian troops strike big win in Katsina

In early May the Nigerian army announced a major operation called Operation FANSAN YANMA. Soldiers moved into the Shawu Forest of Katsina State and killed 21 terrorists. They also grabbed weapons, arrested several suspects and broke up supply routes that insurgents use to move ammo and food.

The success matters because the north‑west region has been a hotspot for Boko Haram offshoots for years. By hitting the forest hideout, the troops disrupted plans for future attacks on nearby towns. Local residents said they felt safer after hearing about the raid, and security officials promised more follow‑up missions to keep pressure on the militants.

Tech buzz: HONOR 400 Lite’s new AI camera button

If you’re hunting for a budget smartphone that still feels premium, the HONOR 400 Lite might be worth a look. The standout feature is a physical AI Camera Button that sits on the side of the phone – think iPhone‑style controls but with Android flexibility.

Press the button and the phone launches Google Lens instantly, letting you translate text, identify objects or shop for products without opening an app first. The sensor also supports pressure‑sensitive focusing, so you can fine‑tune shots by pressing harder. All of that runs on a 108 MP main camera, which is impressive for a device priced under $200.

Reviewers praised the button’s tactile feel and the way it simplifies photo‑taking for casual users. At the same time, power users noted that the AI features drain battery faster if left on all day. Still, the phone offers a solid mix of performance and price – a sweet spot for students or anyone who wants good photos without splurging.

Now onto something you can actually eat: a Midwest pizza maker has taken a page from high‑tech labs by using liquid nitrogen to freeze its products. Emil’s Pizzas, a regional chain, installed a cryogenic freezer that blasts pizzas down to ultra‑low temperatures in seconds.

The result? Production jumped 23 % because the dough and toppings lock in shape faster than with traditional blast freezers. Even better, the rapid freeze preserves flavor and texture, so customers get a product that tastes as fresh as the day it was made. The company also reported a 75 % cut in sanitation steps – the extreme cold kills bacteria on contact.

From a cost perspective, liquid nitrogen is cheaper than many electric freezers when you factor in energy savings and reduced waste. Emil’s says they’ve saved enough to invest in new ovens and even expand delivery routes. It’s a clear example of food tech helping traditional businesses stay competitive.

That wraps up our May highlights. Whether you’re following security updates in Nigeria, eyeing the next affordable phone with AI tricks, or curious about how freezing can boost pizza output – we’ve got you covered. Keep checking Kroonstad News Hub for fresh stories from South Africa and across the continent.