Flights to Bali canceled after erupting volcano unleashes ash clouds

Australian airlines Jetstar, Qantas, and Virgin Australia have canceled flights to Bali due to ash clouds from Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki’s eruption on Indonesia’s Flores Island. The volcano, active since last week, has caused widespread ashfall, displaced thousands, and killed at least 10 people. Airlines cited safety concerns, and Jetstar plans additional flights if conditions improve. Indonesia, which has over 120 active volcanoes, sits on the … Continue reading Flights to Bali canceled after erupting volcano unleashes ash clouds

Spain arrests top police officer after over $21 million found at his home following record cocaine bust

Spain has arrested a top police officer, Oscar Sanchez Gil, after discovering €20 million hidden in his home’s walls, tied to Spain’s largest-ever cocaine bust. Sanchez, formerly head of the fraud and anti-money laundering division in Madrid, was arrested with his police officer partner and 15 others. Police found additional cash in his office, and the couple now face charges of drug trafficking, money laundering, … Continue reading Spain arrests top police officer after over $21 million found at his home following record cocaine bust

Russia fires dozens of missiles and drones at Ukraine’s capital

Russia launched a major missile and drone assault on Kyiv, marking the first strike on the Ukrainian capital in over two months. Meanwhile, reports from the Pentagon and South Korea’s intelligence agency confirm that over 10,000 North Korean troops are actively supporting Russian forces in combat along the Kursk border region. Russia has been training these troops in artillery, drone operation, and trench warfare. The … Continue reading Russia fires dozens of missiles and drones at Ukraine’s capital

FBI arrests alleged leaker of US intelligence documents related to Israel’s attack plans against Iran

The Justice Department has charged Asif W. Rahman, a former CIA employee, for allegedly leaking classified U.S. intelligence about Israel’s military plans concerning Iran. Rahman, who held top-secret clearance, was arrested in Cambodia and will initially appear in court in Guam before a requested transfer to Virginia for trial. The leaked documents, marked for limited U.S. and “Five Eyes” allies, appeared on a Telegram channel … Continue reading FBI arrests alleged leaker of US intelligence documents related to Israel’s attack plans against Iran

France’s nuclear-powered carrier heads to Japan in ‘message’ to China, allies

France is set to deploy its nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the Charles de Gaulle, on an extensive mission likely to include a historic visit to Japan, signaling support for allies and caution to regional powers, particularly China. The multi-month Clemenceau 25 mission will cover the eastern Mediterranean, Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and Southeast Asia, with planned port visits to the Philippines and Japan and joint exercises … Continue reading France’s nuclear-powered carrier heads to Japan in ‘message’ to China, allies

North Korea ratifies major defense treaty with Russia

North Korea ratified a major defense treaty with Russia, promising mutual military support, as reports indicate thousands of North Korean troops are already in Russia aiding its war in Ukraine. The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, signed by Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin in June, will take effect with a document exchange. The treaty requires mutual military assistance if either country is attacked and aims to … Continue reading North Korea ratifies major defense treaty with Russia

Israeli strikes pound Lebanon, Hezbollah strikes back

Israel launched intense airstrikes on Hezbollah-controlled areas in Beirut and central Lebanon, killing over 20 people. Strikes targeted Hezbollah assets, including missile facilities, and Israel claimed efforts to minimize civilian harm. Northern Israel faced drone attacks from Hezbollah, killing two people, and forcing residents to shelter. The year-long conflict, fueled by the Gaza war, has escalated, with Israeli forces also advancing in southern Lebanon, leading … Continue reading Israeli strikes pound Lebanon, Hezbollah strikes back

Driver rams his car into crowd in China, killing 35

A 62-year-old man, reportedly angered by his divorce settlement, drove his car into a crowd at a sports complex in Zhuhai, China, killing 35 and injuring 43 on Monday night. The man, found with self-inflicted wounds, was detained by police. Videos of the incident circulated online despite censorship, showing people injured on the track. Authorities quickly removed news about the attack, likely due to the … Continue reading Driver rams his car into crowd in China, killing 35

Houthis attack US warships after US strikes in Yemen

The Pentagon reported that two U.S. warships, the USS Stockdale and USS Spruance, thwarted a missile and drone attack from Yemen’s Houthi rebels in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, suffering no damage or injuries. This attack followed U.S. airstrikes on Houthi weapon sites in Yemen. Al-Masirah TV, affiliated with the Houthis, claimed an attack on the USS Abraham Lincoln, though the Pentagon denied knowledge of this, … Continue reading Houthis attack US warships after US strikes in Yemen

Man declares himself to be Jesus and ‘beats up seven monks’ in religious rampage

A man in Spain attacked seven monks at the Santo Espiritu del Monte Monastery near Valencia, claiming to be Jesus Christ. Armed with a historical artifact, a stick, and a glass bottle, he assaulted the monks, injuring them. One monk, 76, suffered severe head trauma and remains in critical condition, while others sustained cuts and bruises. The assailant was arrested, and an extensive search followed … Continue reading Man declares himself to be Jesus and ‘beats up seven monks’ in religious rampage

‘Night riding army’ snarls traffic on viral quest for soup dumplings in China

A group of university students in China began cycling from Zhengzhou to Kaifeng to taste famous soup dumplings, sparking a viral trend on social media. Thousands joined the 40-mile night ride, attracted by the slogan “Youth is priceless,” seeking both fun and a low-cost way to socialize. However, as the trend grew, it caused traffic jams, leading authorities to restrict bike access on main roads, … Continue reading ‘Night riding army’ snarls traffic on viral quest for soup dumplings in China

Gunmen open fire in a bar in central Mexico killing 10 and injuring 13

Gunmen opened fire in a bar in Querétaro, central Mexico, killing 10 people and injuring 13, with two in critical condition. The attack occurred Saturday in the city’s historic center, a region previously less affected by violence. Authorities, led by Querétaro’s public security head Juan Luis Ferrusca Ortiz, confirmed the casualties and reported at least one arrest, the Associated Press has reported. Security footage shows … Continue reading Gunmen open fire in a bar in central Mexico killing 10 and injuring 13

First emperor penguin known to reach Australia found on tourist beach

An emperor penguin, found malnourished and far from Antarctica on a beach in Denmark, Western Australia, is being cared for by seabird rehabilitator Carol Biddulph, with guidance from a local wildlife expert. This is the first recorded sighting of an emperor penguin in Australia. The penguin, initially weighing only 23 kilograms, is receiving chilled water mist to cope with the warmer climate, the Associated Press … Continue reading First emperor penguin known to reach Australia found on tourist beach

Spirit flight forced to divert after being shot at while trying to land

A Spirit Airlines flight from Fort Lauderdale to Port-au-Prince was forced to divert to the Dominican Republic after being struck by gunfire from gangs in Haiti. A flight attendant was grazed by a bullet, but no passengers were harmed. Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince has grounded flights, and major U.S. airlines have canceled upcoming flights to Haiti. Haiti faces escalating gang violence, recently impacting … Continue reading Spirit flight forced to divert after being shot at while trying to land

Russia amasses 50,000 soldiers including North Korean troops in Kursk ahead of counteroffensive

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly amassed 40,000 Russian troops and 10,000 North Korean soldiers to launch an attack on Ukraine-controlled Kursk, aiming to reclaim the region. The North Koreans, trained by Russian forces, are equipped and fighting in separate units. Ukrainian officials report that up to 40 North Korean soldiers have already died in clashes, with one injured soldier accusing Russia of sending them … Continue reading Russia amasses 50,000 soldiers including North Korean troops in Kursk ahead of counteroffensive

Pakistan railway bomb blast kills at least 25

At least 25 people were killed and dozens more injured in a bomb explosion at a railway station in Quetta, Balochistan, Pakistan, as a morning train was about to depart. The Balochistan Liberation Army, a separatist militant group, claimed responsibility for the suicide attack, targeting a military unit returning from training. The blast, caused by a suicide bomber with 6-8kg of explosives, also killed 14 … Continue reading Pakistan railway bomb blast kills at least 25

Tens of thousands of Spaniards demand the resignation of Valencia leader for bungling flood response

Tens of thousands of Spaniards marched in Valencia on Saturday, demanding the resignation of regional president Carlos Mazón over his handling of catastrophic floods that killed over 200 people and left others missing. Protestors clashed with riot police as they marched to the regional government seat, criticizing Mazón for failing to issue timely flood alerts. Despite Mazón defending his response, many felt it was slow … Continue reading Tens of thousands of Spaniards demand the resignation of Valencia leader for bungling flood response

6.8 magnitude earthquake shakes Cuba after hurricanes and blackouts

A 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Cuba on Sunday, following weeks of hurricanes and blackouts that have left the island reeling. The quake’s epicenter was located 25 miles south of Bartolomé Masó and was felt across eastern Cuba, including Santiago de Cuba. No immediate reports of damage or injuries were reported, but residents in Santiago were shaken, with some feeling aftershocks, CBS News has reported. … Continue reading 6.8 magnitude earthquake shakes Cuba after hurricanes and blackouts

Lebanon, Gaza and Syria hit by deadly Israeli strikes

Israeli strikes in Lebanon, northern Gaza, and Syria have killed over 80 people since Saturday. In Lebanon, airstrikes hit towns like Almat, Mashghara, and Debaal, killing at least 20 people in Almat, including three children. Meanwhile, Israel’s military claimed to have eliminated dozens of Hezbollah fighters. In Gaza, at least 41 people died in strikes on two homes, with many casualties being children. Additionally, in … Continue reading Lebanon, Gaza and Syria hit by deadly Israeli strikes

Russia and Ukraine Launch Biggest Drone Attacks of War Yet

Russia and Ukraine launched record drone attacks on each other overnight, with Russia firing 145 drones at Ukraine, the largest such assault in the conflict. Ukrainian President Zelensky urged more Western support for Ukraine’s defense. Meanwhile, Russia claimed to have downed 34 Ukrainian drones targeting Moscow. The situation comes as the Kremlin sees “positive signals” from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who has suggested he could … Continue reading Russia and Ukraine Launch Biggest Drone Attacks of War Yet

Amsterdam bans all protests after attacks on Israeli football fans

In Amsterdam, five people were hospitalized and 62 detained after attackers targeted Israeli football fans before and after a Europa League match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax, prompting a three-day ban on demonstrations in the city. Dutch and European leaders condemned the attacks as antisemitic, with officials like Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen decrying the violence. Netanyahu … Continue reading Amsterdam bans all protests after attacks on Israeli football fans

Notre Dame Bells Ring Out First Time Since Fire

The bells of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris rang together on Friday for the first time since the 2019 fire, marking a symbolic milestone ahead of the cathedral’s reopening on December 7 after five years of restoration. The chiming of the eight bells signals Notre Dame’s readiness to welcome visitors again, with expected attendance of 14-15 million annually. The ambitious restoration involved 250 companies and … Continue reading Notre Dame Bells Ring Out First Time Since Fire

American military contractors to deploy to Ukraine for first time

The Biden administration has lifted a ban on American military contractors in Ukraine, allowing them to help maintain and repair U.S.-provided weapons, like F-16s and Patriot systems, to speed up their return to combat. Contractors will work away from frontlines and avoid direct combat. This shift aims to strengthen Ukraine’s military capabilities against Russia. Bids for contracts will require risk mitigation plans for contractor safety, … Continue reading American military contractors to deploy to Ukraine for first time

Kremlin Drone Strikes Home of NATO State Ambassador in Ukraine

A Russian drone struck the Kyiv apartment building of Estonian Ambassador to Ukraine Annely Kolk on Thursday, according to Estonia’s foreign minister. Kolk and her husband were unharmed, having taken shelter during the attack. The strike caused damage to the building’s upper floor, but no casualties were reported. Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal called for stronger air defenses for Ukraine, which has received substantial support … Continue reading Kremlin Drone Strikes Home of NATO State Ambassador in Ukraine

Attacks on Israeli soccer fans bring shame on Amsterdam, mayor says

Israeli soccer fans were attacked in Amsterdam following the Europa League match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax, leading Dutch authorities to condemn the violence as antisemitic. After Ajax’s victory, assailants on scooters targeted Maccabi fans in “hit-and-run” attacks across the city, injuring dozens. Amsterdam’s mayor and Dutch Prime Minister condemned the violence, calling it “unacceptable,” while police arrested 63 people. Israeli officials, including Prime … Continue reading Attacks on Israeli soccer fans bring shame on Amsterdam, mayor says