- World News
South Africa’s muddled diplomacy amid Russia-Ukraine conflict risks economy
South Africa’s diplomatic ties have been under scrutiny in recent months, with the nation’s close relationship with Russia raising concerns among Western countries. These concerns have led to speculation about South Africa’s support for Moscow in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine and potential arms shipments. However, some argue that this perception is unfair and could have a negative impact on…
- World News
Belgian students sentenced for hazing death spark racism debate
The tragic death of Sanda Dia, a 20-year-old black Belgian student, in 2018 during a hazing ritual at an elite Belgian fraternity shocked the nation. Dia was made to consume large amounts of fish oil and alcohol, swallow a live goldfish, and stand in an icy pit during his initiation into the Reuzegom fraternity at a prestigious university. He later…
- World News
Mossad agent among victims in mysterious Lake Maggiore boat tragedy
A tragic boat accident on Lake Maggiore, situated south of the Swiss Alps, on May 28 resulted in the drowning of four people, including a former Mossad agent, two Italian intelligence officers, and a Russian woman. The boat, carrying 23 passengers, was caught in a fierce storm with gusts exceeding 70km per hour. The incident has sparked speculation about the…
- World News
Rome blaze kills one, injures nine, and leaves over 100 homeless
A devastating fire has claimed the life of one individual and injured nine others in an eight-storey building located in Rome’s eastern Colli Aniene district. Firefighters in Rome have successfully extinguished the blaze and are currently searching the building for any trapped occupants. The fire, which broke out around 2pm local time, was battled by six teams of firefighters. The…
- World News
Twitch streamer Puppers dies at 32, gaming community mourns loss
Renowned Twitch streamer Puppers, aged 32, has passed away after a three-year battle with motor neurone disease (MND). The American streamer gained fame through his gameplay of Dead by Daylight, where he was celebrated for his positive attitude. Following his diagnosis, the gaming community came together to establish the Light in the Fog Foundation, raising US$270,000 (£216,000) to support his…
- World News
Far-left extremist jail term sparks uproar in German politics
A far-left extremist, Lina E, has been handed a five-year and three-month jail sentence for her involvement in violent attacks on neo-Nazis, sparking controversy among German politicians. Lina E, who has been in custody since 2020, was also granted temporary freedom pending an appeal, causing further uproar. Three men convicted alongside her were given jail sentences as well. Left-wing protesters…
- World News
Decorated Australian soldier loses defamation case over war crime allegations
In a historic ruling, an Australian judge has determined that decorated soldier Ben Roberts-Smith lost a defamation case against three newspapers that accused him of committing war crimes in Afghanistan. The judge found the allegations against the former soldier to be “substantially true,” marking the first time an Australian court has evaluated accusations of war crimes committed by the country’s…
- World News
Florida teen wins US National Spelling Bee with ‘psammophile’
In an impressive display of linguistic prowess, 14-year-old Dev Shah from Largo, Florida, emerged as the champion of the 2023 Scripps National Spelling Bee in the United States. Demonstrating exceptional skill, Dev correctly spelled the word “psammophile” to secure his victory in the 95th edition of the prestigious competition, along with a prize of US$50,000. The runner-up, Charlotte Walsh, also…
- World News
French influencers face jail for flouting new ad regulations
France has recently adopted legislation that could lead to jail time for influencers who violate new promotion regulations. The laws aim to protect consumers from deceptive or counterfeit online commercial practices and impose restrictions on the promotion of lottery and betting games, as well as prohibiting the advertisement of products such as tobacco. This marks the first time the role…
- World News
Ukraine accused of shelling Belgorod as Russia claims thwarted invasion
Belgorod, a Russian region, has once more experienced attacks from across the Ukrainian border, with at least eight individuals injured due to shelling. Russia’s defence ministry asserts that it has prevented other attempts by Ukraine to “invade” the region. Kyiv has not responded to these claims but has denied involvement in previous cross-border attacks. This latest incident occurs over a…
- World News
Elon Musk regains world’s richest title as Tesla value soars, Arnault slips
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has once again become the world’s wealthiest individual, surpassing LMVH founder Bernard Arnault. Musk’s net worth increased by US$55.3 billion since January, reaching US$192 billion, primarily due to the rising value of his electric car company, Tesla. Meanwhile, Arnault’s fortune dropped by US$24.5 billion to US$187 billion, according to Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index. Jeff Bezos and Bill…
- World News
Thousands jeer far-right minister at Jerusalem Gay Pride amid security fears
The Jerusalem Gay Pride march saw thousands of participants, despite security concerns due to online threats and counter-protests. This was the first march since the election of a hardline religious-nationalist government, which includes senior ministers with openly homophobic views. The event highlighted the deepening divisions within Israeli society, where secular Jews have long supported LGBTQ rights, but political and demographic…
- World News
Ukraine accused of Belgorod shelling as Russia reports thwarted invasion
The Belgorod region in Russia has experienced another attack from across the Ukrainian border, with at least eight individuals reportedly injured due to shelling. Russia’s defence ministry also claimed that it had prevented further attempts by Ukraine to “invade” the region. While Kyiv has not commented on these allegations, it has denied any involvement in previous cross-border attacks. This incident…
- World News
Tupac Shakur awarded star on Hollywood Walk of Fame posthumously
The Hollywood Walk of Fame is set to honour the late rapper Tupac Shakur with a star, 26 years after his passing. The prestigious Los Angeles walkway will host a ceremony on June 7 to commemorate the hip-hop icon. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce confirmed to the LA Times that Shakur’s star would be the 2,758th on the Walk of…
- World News
Man charged with murder over fatal Wellington hostel fire amid housing crisis
A 48-year-old man has been charged with five counts of murder in connection with a fatal fire at a hostel in Wellington, New Zealand. The man was previously detained and charged with arson following the incident at Loafers Lodge last month. The tragic event has reignited discussions about the nation’s housing crisis, as the hostel provided emergency accommodation for vulnerable…
- World News
House approves US debt ceiling raise, averting default threat
The US House of Representatives has given its approval for a deal permitting the nation to borrow more funds, mere days before the world’s largest economy is set to begin defaulting on its debt. The measure was passed in the chamber with a 314-117 vote, despite some members from both sides not supporting it. The US Senate must vote on…
- World News
Kyiv night-time missile attack kills three, injures four
Three individuals, including two children, tragically lost their lives while four others sustained injuries in a recent nocturnal missile strike on Kyiv, according to Ukrainian authorities. The capital city has been subjected to persistent aerial assaults involving missiles and drones, which typically occur during the night. These attacks on Kyiv and other cities have escalated in anticipation of a predicted…
- World News
Argentina removes prescription barrier for morning-after pill access
Argentina has recently announced that women will no longer need a prescription to access emergency contraception, in a move aimed at removing a significant obstacle for those seeking to prevent unintended pregnancies. Feminist groups have applauded this decision as a positive step forward in the predominantly Catholic nation, while opponents argue that it highlights the failure of pregnancy prevention initiatives.…
- World News
UN tribunal increases Serbian officials’ sentences for ethnic cleansing role
The Hague’s UN war crimes tribunal has imposed longer prison sentences on two high-ranking former Serbian security officials, Jovica Stanisic and Franko Simatovic. Initially sentenced to 12 years in 2021, they will now serve 15 years for their involvement in training death squads accused of ethnic cleansing during the disintegration of Yugoslavia. This final verdict on the former Yugoslavia is…
- World News
Danny Masterson found guilty of rape, faces 30 years in prison
A Los Angeles jury has convicted American actor Danny Masterson on two counts of rape, with the That ’70s Show star potentially facing up to 30 years in prison. The actor was led from the courtroom in handcuffs after the verdict. Three women, all former Church of Scientology members, accused Masterson of sexually assaulting them at his Hollywood residence between…
