Executions in Saudi Arabia hit a record high in 2024, with 345 people executed last year and 180 in the first half of this year, according to Amnesty International. Activists highlight the kingdom’s growing use of the death penalty for nonviolent drug offenses, which make up about two-thirds of recent executions. Many foreign nationals on death row face unfair trials and lack legal representation, the … Continue reading Executions in Saudi Arabia reach a record high mostly over drug cases, Amnesty says

Monsoon rains triggered severe flooding in Nepal’s Bhotekoshi River on Tuesday, destroying the main Friendship Bridge linking Nepal and China at Rasuwagadi and leaving 20 people missing—14 Nepalis and six Chinese. Rescue teams, including an army helicopter, have saved 55 people so far. The flooding swept away homes, trucks, and parked vehicles at the border. The disaster has halted trade along this key route, forcing … Continue reading Monsoon floods sweep away 20 people and the main bridge linking Nepal to China

At least 11 people were killed and over 500 arrested during anti-government protests across Kenya on Monday, according to police. The demonstrations marked the 35th anniversary of the pro-democracy Saba Saba march and were fueled by anger over corruption, police brutality, and recent deaths in custody. Security forces used tear gas, water cannons, and reportedly live fire to disperse crowds in cities including Nairobi. Despite … Continue reading 11 dead and hundreds arrested in Kenya’s anti-government protests

Five Israeli soldiers were killed and 14 wounded in a Hamas roadside bomb attack in Beit Hanoun, northern Gaza, on Monday night. The bombs, detonated in succession during a ground operation, struck foot soldiers from the Kfir Brigade’s Netzah Yehuda Battalion and Gaza Division’s Northern Brigade. A Hamas cell also opened fire during the ambush. Israeli forces responded with air support to prevent possible abductions. … Continue reading 5 IDF soldiers killed, 14 injured by roadside bombs in northern Gaza

A 35-year-old man died by suicide after running onto the tarmac at Milan Bergamo Airport and throwing himself into the engine of a Volotea Airbus A319 preparing for takeoff. He was not a passenger or airport employee and had entered the restricted area without a ticket, evading police before the fatal act. The incident led to temporary suspension of airport operations, flight cancellations, and diversions. … Continue reading Man ‘commits suicide’ by ‘throwing self’ into jet engine on runway

Parisians and tourists swam in the Seine River this weekend for the first time in over a century after the city officially opened three free bathing sites following a major €1.4 billion cleanup. The project, accelerated for last year’s Olympics, improved sewage connections, water treatment, and stormwater storage. About 1,000 swimmers daily can access sites near the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and the National Library until … Continue reading Paris reopens Seine River to public swimming after century-long ban

Indonesia’s Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki erupted on Monday, sending ash 18 km (11 miles) into the sky, blanketing villages and forcing at least 24 international and several domestic flight cancellations. No casualties were reported. The eruption, the volcano’s biggest since November 2024, triggered gas and lava flows up to 5 km down its slopes. Authorities maintained the highest alert level and expanded exclusion zones as volcanic activity increased, … Continue reading Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki volcano erupts, sending ash cloud 11 miles in the air

At least 11 civilians were killed and over 80 injured, including children, in Russian attacks across Ukraine, as Moscow intensified drone and missile strikes on civilian areas. Meanwhile, Russia’s transport minister, Roman Starovoit, was found dead in an apparent suicide hours after President Putin dismissed him amid alleged corruption related to military fortifications. Ukraine, facing troop shortages and delays in Western aid, is ramping up … Continue reading Ukraine reports at least 11 dead and over 80 injured in Russian attacks

The Israeli military launched airstrikes on Houthi-controlled ports and infrastructure in Yemen, including Hudaydah and the hijacked ship Galaxy Leader, in response to repeated Houthi missile and drone attacks on Israel. The Houthis claimed to have repelled the strikes and retaliated by firing missiles and drones at Israeli targets, including Ben Gurion Airport. Meanwhile, Houthi forces attacked the bulk carrier Magic Seas in the Red … Continue reading Israel says it struck Houthi-held ports and cargo ship in Yemen

An Australian court found Erin Patterson, 50, guilty of three counts of murder and one of attempted murder for serving a 2023 lunch of beef Wellington laced with deadly mushrooms that killed her former in-laws Don and Gail Patterson and Gail’s sister Heather Wilkinson. Heather’s husband, Ian Wilkinson, survived after weeks in hospital. Patterson, who claimed it was an accident, faces life in prison after … Continue reading Australian woman guilty of murdering relatives with poisonous mushrooms