Nigeria drops treason charges against children after outcry

Nigeria has dropped treason charges against dozens of protesters, including over 30 children, detained since August’s anti-government demonstrations. President Bola Tinubu had called for the minors’ release after footage of some collapsing in court, allegedly from malnutrition, sparked outrage. The protests, driven by a cost-of-living crisis, saw clashes with security forces, leading to several deaths and hundreds of arrests. Tinubu ordered an investigation into the … Continue reading Nigeria drops treason charges against children after outcry

Israeli strikes kill at least 40 in east Lebanon – health ministry

Israeli airstrikes killed at least 40 people in Lebanon’s Bekaa and Baalbek regions, targeting Hezbollah operatives, according to Lebanese authorities. The strikes also damaged historic sites, including an Ottoman-era building near Baalbek’s Roman ruins. Additional strikes in southern Beirut targeted Hezbollah infrastructure, leading to fire and smoke over the city. Meanwhile, Hezbollah rocket fire into Israel killed one man near Kfar Masaryk, the BBC has … Continue reading Israeli strikes kill at least 40 in east Lebanon – health ministry

Equatorial Guinea orders crackdown on sex in government offices after videos leak

Equatorial Guinea has ordered a crackdown on sexual activity in government offices after leaked videos allegedly showed a senior finance official engaging in sexual acts at work, including in his office. The scandal, involving multiple videos reportedly found during a corruption investigation, has embarrassed the government. Vice President Nguema Obiang Mangue mandated new security measures, including cameras in offices, and stated that those involved would … Continue reading Equatorial Guinea orders crackdown on sex in government offices after videos leak

Controversial Australian Olympic breaker Rachael Gunn retires from competition

Australian breaker Rachael Gunn announced her retirement from competition after facing ridicule and conspiracy theories following her unconventional performance at the Paris Olympics. Known as “Raygun,” the 37-year-old failed to score in all three rounds with a routine that included unique moves like a kangaroo hop. Although initially planning to continue, Gunn found the public scrutiny overwhelming. Despite defending her qualification and performance, she was … Continue reading Controversial Australian Olympic breaker Rachael Gunn retires from competition

Hurricane Rafael knocks out power in Cuba, weeks after nationwide blackout

Hurricane Rafael, a Category 3 storm with winds near 115 mph, made landfall in western Cuba on Wednesday, leaving the island without power. This blackout follows a similar outage in October, which led to emergency measures across Cuba. The storm has disrupted power, with Cubans resorting to cooking on improvised wood stoves. The U.S. State Department issued a travel advisory for Cuba, and Cuban authorities … Continue reading Hurricane Rafael knocks out power in Cuba, weeks after nationwide blackout

Police fire tear gas at protest over deadly canopy collapse in Serbia

Protesters in Novi Sad threw flares and red paint on the City Hall after a concrete canopy collapse at the railway station killed 14 people. Police used tear gas as some protesters threw stones and broke windows. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic condemned the violence, warning of consequences. Protesters demanded justice for the victims, with opposition activists blaming corruption and poor oversight. The incident has sparked … Continue reading Police fire tear gas at protest over deadly canopy collapse in Serbia

Fight on French train involving axe and samurai sword leaves 4 students wounded

Four teenagers were injured, two seriously, during a fight involving an axe on a suburban train near Paris. The incident occurred around 8:00 am as the teens, aged 16 and 17, were heading to school. One suffered a hand amputation, and another had a skull injury; two others sustained lighter injuries. Various weapons, including an axe, knife, and samurai sword, were reportedly used. A 16-year-old … Continue reading Fight on French train involving axe and samurai sword leaves 4 students wounded

Ukrainian troops have engaged with North Korean units for the 1st time in Russia, an official says

For the first time, Ukrainian troops have reportedly engaged with North Korean soldiers deployed to aid Russia in its war against Ukraine. Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umerov confirmed “small-scale” combat with North Korean forces, who are stationed in Russia’s Kursk region alongside Russian troops. U.S. and allied intelligence suggests that up to 12,000 North Korean troops may be deployed under a Russia-North Korea pact. This … Continue reading Ukrainian troops have engaged with North Korean units for the 1st time in Russia, an official says

UK introduces a bill that would eventually make the purchase of cigarettes illegal

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, introduced in Parliament, aims to prevent today’s British children from ever legally smoking by raising the minimum tobacco purchase age each year for those born after January 1, 2009. The bill would also ban smoking and vaping in some outdoor areas, like playgrounds and school entrances, though a proposed ban on smoking in pub beer gardens was removed due to … Continue reading UK introduces a bill that would eventually make the purchase of cigarettes illegal

Thousands join street protests after Israeli defense minister sacked by Netanyahu

Police in Tel Aviv used water cannons to disperse protesters upset over Prime Minister Netanyahu’s decision to fire Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The move came amid ongoing tensions between the two, largely over the Gaza conflict. Demonstrators blocked traffic and set fires in Tel Aviv, with similar protests reported in Jerusalem, Haifa, and other cities, Sky News has reported. Gallant, a supporter of a hostage … Continue reading Thousands join street protests after Israeli defense minister sacked by Netanyahu

India says frontier disengagement with China along their disputed border is ‘almost complete’

India and China have pulled most of their frontline troops back from the disputed Himalayan border in Ladakh, marking progress toward ending a four-year standoff, India’s Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said Thursday. The disengagement follows a recent border pact aimed at reducing military tensions. Although troops have withdrawn from several contested areas, disagreements remain over specific zones, and restoring pre-2020 conditions may take time, the … Continue reading India says frontier disengagement with China along their disputed border is ‘almost complete’

Lightning kills 13 children at Uganda refugee camp

A lightning strike at Uganda’s Palabek Refugee Settlement killed 13 children and a 21-year-old adult during a church service on Saturday evening, with 34 others injured, according to police. The incident occurred amid heavy rains with thunder and lightning in northwestern Uganda, where the refugee camp shelters over 80,000 refugees, mainly from neighboring South Sudan. Uganda has seen previous lightning-related tragedies; in 2019, a similar … Continue reading Lightning kills 13 children at Uganda refugee camp

U.S flies long-range bomber in drill with South Korea, Japan after North Korea missile test

In response to North Korea’s recent test of the Hwasong-19 intercontinental ballistic missile, designed to reach the U.S., the United States conducted a joint drill with South Korea and Japan on Sunday, deploying a B-1B bomber near the Korean Peninsula. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the missile launch, calling it a necessary defense move. This missile flew higher and longer than previous launches, … Continue reading U.S flies long-range bomber in drill with South Korea, Japan after North Korea missile test

Spain flooding death toll climbs to 217 as cleanup efforts in mud-soaked streets continue

The death toll from severe flooding in Valencia, Spain, has risen to 217 as rescue efforts continue in mud-covered cities. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described the disaster as Europe’s worst flood this century, deploying 10,000 soldiers and police for support. More than 30,000 people have been assisted, and nearly 5,000 rescues carried out, though Sánchez acknowledged the response is still inadequate. Videos show Valencia’s streets … Continue reading Spain flooding death toll climbs to 217 as cleanup efforts in mud-soaked streets continue

Volcanic eruption burns houses in Indonesia, killing at least 6 people

Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency reported that six people have died following a series of eruptions at Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki on the remote island of Flores. The eruption early Monday sent thick ash 6,500 feet into the air, burning several homes and a convent, and blanketing nearby villages. The alert level was raised to the highest, expanding the exclusion zone to a 7-kilometer radius … Continue reading Volcanic eruption burns houses in Indonesia, killing at least 6 people

Russia sentences former U.S. Consulate worker convicted of “gathering information” on Ukraine war to prison

A Russian court sentenced Robert Shonov, a former U.S. Consulate employee in Vladivostok, to nearly five years in prison for alleged cooperation with a foreign state, following his arrest in May 2023. Accused of gathering information on Russia’s military actions in Ukraine and domestic reactions, Shonov’s case highlights Russia’s strict laws against foreign affiliations. The U.S. Embassy condemned the charges as “false and unfounded,” CBS … Continue reading Russia sentences former U.S. Consulate worker convicted of “gathering information” on Ukraine war to prison

North Gaza ‘apocalyptic,’ everyone at ‘imminent risk’ of death, warns UN

U.N. officials have warned of an “apocalyptic” crisis in northern Gaza, with civilians at extreme risk from disease, hunger, and violence as Israel’s military offensive against Hamas continues. Humanitarian access is severely restricted, leaving essential supplies scarce, and aid workers unsafe. U.S. officials are pressing Israel to allow more aid to reach Palestinians, with USAID Administrator Samantha Power voicing urgent concerns over the humanitarian situation, … Continue reading North Gaza ‘apocalyptic,’ everyone at ‘imminent risk’ of death, warns UN

76 people, including minors charged for treason in Nigeria

Nigeria has charged 76 people, including 30 minors, with treason over August protests sparked by economic hardship and President Bola Tinubu’s reforms, which have led to high inflation. Amnesty International reported that at least 13 were killed during clashes between protesters and security forces. Although detained since August, the minors have now been released on bail and are set to stand trial in January, Cyprus-Phile … Continue reading 76 people, including minors charged for treason in Nigeria

Iran claims it is capable of building nuclear weapon as Ayatollah vows ‘tooth-breaking’ response to Israel, US

Iran has stated it can build nuclear weapons, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warning of a “tooth-breaking” response to U.S. and Israeli actions. Khamenei’s adviser, Kamal Kharrazi, suggested Iran might shift its nuclear policy if faced with an existential threat. Iranian officials condemned an October 26 Israeli attack on its military infrastructure, which followed Iran’s missile launch into Israel earlier in the month, Fox … Continue reading Iran claims it is capable of building nuclear weapon as Ayatollah vows ‘tooth-breaking’ response to Israel, US

Mexicans celebrate Day of the Dead

At midnight in Mexico City’s San Gregorio Pantheon, families gather to celebrate Día de los Muertos, honoring ancestors with mariachis, candles, and orange cempasúchil flowers. For locals like Antonio Meléndez, preserving these traditions amid growing tourism and Halloween influences is vital, keeping the essence of their heritage alive. Day of the Dead, rooted in Indigenous and Catholic customs, involves altars and offerings to honor the … Continue reading Mexicans celebrate Day of the Dead

US announces $425M military aid package for Ukraine days before 2024 presidential election

The White House announced a new military aid package for Ukraine valued at approximately $425 million amid escalating tensions as Russia moves North Korean troops closer to the front lines. This package includes air-defense interceptors, munitions for rocket systems, artillery, armored vehicles, and anti-tank weapons, aimed at bolstering Ukraine’s defenses in the eastern Donbas region. The announcement follows confirmation that North Korea has sent thousands … Continue reading US announces $425M military aid package for Ukraine days before 2024 presidential election

Largest drug “super lab” in Canada’s history busted with record amount of fentanyl

Canadian police dismantled Canada’s largest and most sophisticated illegal drug “super lab,” seizing record amounts of synthetic drugs, precursor chemicals, and firearms. The lab, located in Falkland, British Columbia, was allegedly linked to organized crime and mass-produced fentanyl and methamphetamine for national and international distribution. Police confiscated 54 kg of fentanyl, 390 kg of meth, 89 firearms, explosives, and over $500,000 CAD in cash. Suspect … Continue reading Largest drug “super lab” in Canada’s history busted with record amount of fentanyl

France shooting injures five and sparks mass brawl

A drug-related shooting in Poitiers, western France, escalated into a brawl involving up to 600 people on Thursday night. Five individuals were seriously injured in a drive-by shooting at a restaurant, including a 15-year-old in critical condition. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau highlighted the incident as a sign of increasing drug violence, comparing it to Mexico’s cartel problems. This event follows a fatal shooting in Rennes … Continue reading France shooting injures five and sparks mass brawl

Europeans Told to Stockpile Food in Case of War With Russia

A new EU report advises citizens to stockpile essential supplies to prepare for potential crises like war, pandemics, or extreme weather. Written by former Finnish President Sauli Niinistö, the report highlights the EU’s lack of readiness for events like COVID-19 and Russia’s actions in Ukraine, calling for proactive emergency preparedness. It recommends that households be equipped to sustain themselves for at least 72 hours, with … Continue reading Europeans Told to Stockpile Food in Case of War With Russia

At least 13 killed after railway station roof collapses in Serbia

At least 13 people have died and over 30 were injured after a railway station roof collapsed in Novi Sad, Serbia. Rescue operations are ongoing, with nearly 80 responders on-site, and contact has been made with two people still trapped. Serbia’s Interior Minister Ivica Dačić confirmed the death toll and the serious condition of one hospitalized survivor. Prime Minister Milos Vucevic expressed condolences and pledged … Continue reading At least 13 killed after railway station roof collapses in Serbia