Lilly Larkin
- World News
Annecy knife attack: Child victims show positive recovery signs
Emmanuel Macron, the French President, has expressed optimism about the condition of child victims of a knife attack that took place in Annecy on Thursday. During his visit to the town, he mentioned that a young British girl had awoken after surgery, and a Dutch toddler was also said to be recovering. The suspect, a 31-year-old Syrian man with refugee…
- World News
Ukrainian flood survivors rescued amid Russian occupation and destroyed bridges
The quaint southern Ukrainian village of Kardashynka, situated in the marshy lowlands of the Dnipro River’s eastern bank, remains under Russian occupation. Although the city of Kherson was liberated last November, destroyed bridges have prevented villagers from crossing the river. However, this week, amidst catastrophic floods, some villagers managed to make the journey as they were rescued. Maryna and Valentyna,…
- World News
Ukraine’s counter-offensive escalates as Russian dam destruction causes floods
Ukraine’s long-awaited counter-offensive against Russian forces may have begun, as Russian President Vladimir Putin recently confirmed in a video interview. For weeks, Ukraine has been carrying out “shaping operations,” which involve long-range artillery and missile attacks on crucial Russian logistical targets. Small Ukrainian units have now moved towards Russian fortifications in southern Ukraine, southeast of Zaporizhzhia, indicating a possible shift…
- World News
Ukraine counter-offensive targets Zaporizhzhia to regain Sea of Azov access
Ukrainian forces have reportedly launched attacks against Russian troops in the strategic southern Zaporizhzhia region, according to Russian officials and military bloggers. The Ukrainian military, supported by tanks, artillery, and drones, is said to be pushing south of the town of Orikhiv for a second consecutive night. A high-ranking Ukrainian defence official claimed that their enemy was in an “active…
- World News
Russian activist faces prison for discrediting army over Ukraine war
Oleg Orlov, a prominent Russian human rights defender, recently made a statement in a Moscow courtroom by showcasing a book titled End of the Regime, which discusses the collapse of totalitarian and fascist regimes. Orlov, a vocal critic of the Kremlin’s wars in Ukraine and against dissent in Russia, is on trial for allegedly breaching a law designed to suppress…
- World News
Trump charged over classified files, faces historic federal indictment
Former US President Donald Trump has been indicted on charges related to his handling of classified documents after leaving the White House. Trump, 76 years old, faces seven charges, including unauthorised retention of classified files, as reported by US media. The charges have not yet been made public. This marks the second indictment of Trump and the first-ever federal indictment…
- World News
Russian activist faces prison for discrediting army amid war criticism crackdown
Oleg Orlov, a prominent Russian human rights activist, has been making headlines as he faces trial for criticising the war in Ukraine. Upon entering the Moscow courtroom, Orlov displayed a book titled End of the Regime, recommending it to the cameras present. The 70-year-old has been vocal in his opposition to both the war in Ukraine and the Kremlin’s crackdown…
- World News
Ukrainian forces target Zaporizhzhia in counter-offensive, heavy fighting reported
Heavy fighting continues in Ukraine’s southern Zaporizhzhia region, with Ukrainian troops, supported by tanks, artillery, and drones, attempting to advance south of the town of Orikhiv for a second consecutive night. Military experts believe that the focus of Ukraine’s counter-offensive will be on regaining access to the Sea of Azov and dividing the Russian forces in the region to weaken…
- World News
US suspends $1.8bn Ethiopia food aid over diversion claims
The US Agency for International Aid (USAid) has halted food aid to Ethiopia after discovering that donations were being misdirected away from those in need. The suspension will affect approximately 20 million Ethiopians, who are currently experiencing severe food shortages due to war and drought. The United States remains the largest humanitarian donor to Ethiopia, having provided over US$1.8 billion…
- World News
297 orphans evacuated amid deadly conflict in Sudan’s capital
In Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, nearly 300 orphans have been rescued from the heart of the conflict in a dangerous evacuation carried out by humanitarian workers. This follows the tragic deaths of 67 children at the Mygoma orphanage due to starvation, dehydration, and infections, as the fighting prevented staff from reaching the facility. Since April 15, the city has experienced daily…
- World News
Russia accused of targeting Ukraine dam breach evacuation points
Ukraine has accused Russia of targeting evacuation points in the aftermath of the Kakhovka dam breach, resulting in one death and several injuries in the city of Kherson. The attack occurred during President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to the city, where he met with locals affected by the flooding. According to Kherson’s governor, Oleksandr Prokudin, 2,000 people have been evacuated from…
- World News
China targets AirDrop and Bluetooth in censorship crackdown proposal
China is looking to impose restrictions on mobile file-sharing services such as AirDrop and Bluetooth, in an effort to expand its censorship capabilities. The country’s national internet regulator has initiated a month-long public consultation on the proposals, which aim to prevent the spread of illegal and “undesirable” information. Activists are concerned that this move will further limit their ability to…
- World News
Afghanistan mosque explosion kills Taliban officials during funeral prayers
A mosque in north-east Afghanistan was rocked by an explosion, resulting in multiple casualties. Among those injured or killed were several local Taliban officials. The blast took place during a prayer service held for the deputy governor of Badakhshan province, who lost his life in a car bomb attack earlier this week. The Islamic State militant group claimed responsibility for…
- World News
Ukraine blamed for ammonia pipeline blast, threatens Russian grain deal
Russia has accused Ukraine of being responsible for an explosion on a crucial ammonia pipeline, stating that it could negatively impact the renewal of a significant grain export agreement. The Togliatti-Odesa pipeline was damaged in a blast on Monday, which Moscow attributes to Ukrainian “sabotage” groups. The Kremlin has declared that it will not renew last year’s grain export deal…
- World News
Children stabbed in Lake Annecy park attack, suspect arrested
A violent incident occurred in a park near Lake Annecy, in the south-eastern region of France, where multiple children were stabbed. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin confirmed that the attacker has been apprehended by the police. Antoine Armand, a regional deputy, referred to the attack as “abominable” and stated that the authorities are currently conducting an investigation into the matter. French…
- World News
Myanmar singer’s death sparks fear among pro-military celebrities
The death of Myanmar singer Lily Naing Kyaw, who was shot in the head in Yangon, has shocked both military supporters and celebrities connected to pro-military media. The 58-year-old was close to top junta leaders who seized power in 2021 and was accused of being their informant. Two suspects, allegedly belonging to an urban guerrilla group opposed to the military,…
- World News
Dutch museum’s Egypt excavation ban over black musicians exhibition
The National Museum of Antiquities in Leiden, Netherlands, has been banned from carrying out archaeological excavations at a significant Egyptian site due to an exhibition exploring ancient Egypt’s influence on black musicians. The Egyptian authorities accused the museum of “falsifying” history through its display featuring artists such as Beyoncé, Nas, and Miles Davis. The museum has labelled the accusations as…
- World News
Pence slams Trump, launches 2024 campaign with constitutional focus
In a recent speech launching his 2024 presidential campaign, former US vice-president Mike Pence delivered his strongest criticism of Donald Trump yet. Pence accused the former president of betraying the US constitution and abandoning conservative values. The speech in Ankeny, Iowa, marked the official start of Pence’s White House campaign, which puts him in direct competition with his former running…
- World News
Ukraine dam breach sparks major landmine threat, warns Red Cross
A significant dam breach in southern Ukraine could have disastrous consequences for landmine detection, warns the Red Cross. The ongoing water surge down the Dnipro river, which separates Russian and Ukrainian-controlled territories, has forced thousands to evacuate from areas in the Kherson region. Both nations accuse each other of sabotaging the Kakhovka dam, though the BBC has been unable to…
- World News
Pope Francis to undergo abdominal surgery at Rome hospital
Pope Francis is set to undergo abdominal surgery at Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Wednesday afternoon. The Vatican stated that the 86-year-old pontiff will remain in the hospital for several days to recover from the hernia operation. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni noted that the hernia has been causing “recurrent, painful and worsening” symptoms for the Pope. “In the early afternoon he…
- World News
Christie enters 2024 race targeting Trump, hindered by low Republican support
Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has entered the 2024 race for the White House with one primary goal: to hinder Donald Trump’s campaign. However, Christie’s low popularity among Republicans could obstruct his efforts to directly challenge Trump. Christie’s unsuccessful bid for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination saw him endorse Trump early on, but he now seeks to bring the…
- World News
Atlanta council approves £25m Cop City despite protests and environmental concerns
The Atlanta City Council has given the green light for additional funding towards a contentious police training centre, which has been the subject of protests for almost two years. The council members voted to allocate US$31m (£25m) towards the construction of the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center, commonly referred to as “Cop City” by its detractors. The centre was initially…
- World News
Wagner Group boss dismisses Russian military’s claims of heavy Ukraine losses
Tensions have escalated between the Wagner Group and the Russian military, as disagreements over recent events in Ukraine’s Donbas region intensify. Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Wagner Group, dismissed Russia’s claims of inflicting significant losses on Ukraine during an attempted offensive action, labelling them as “wild and absurd science fiction.” Despite this, Russia’s defence ministry reiterated on Tuesday that Ukraine…
- World News
80 unclaimed bodies remain after India’s deadliest train crash this century
A tragic train collision in India’s Odisha state has left 288 people dead, with more than 80 bodies still unclaimed five days after the incident. The accident, which involved two passenger trains and a stationary goods train, is the country’s worst rail disaster this century. Over 1,000 injured individuals were taken to hospitals for treatment, and many families are still…
- World News
Taliban crackdown causes 80% drop in Afghan opium cultivation
Armed with AK-47 assault rifles and large sticks, a Taliban anti-narcotics unit in Afghanistan’s eastern Nangarhar province is on a mission to eradicate poppy farming. In April 2022, Taliban supreme leader Haibatullah Akhundzada issued a decree prohibiting poppy cultivation, with violators facing crop destruction and penalties under Sharia law. The ban was imposed due to the harmful effects of opium…
- World News
Ukrainian forces advance in Bakhmut amid fierce fighting and symbolic importance
Ukrainian forces have made advancements in the area surrounding Bakhmut, according to Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar, who referred to the eastern city as the “epicentre of hostilities.” It remains unclear whether the anticipated counter-offensive has commenced. In a separate development, Russia’s military announced that it had thwarted a new attack in the eastern Donetsk region on Monday. Bakhmut has…
- World News
Landmark defamation trial reveals decorated soldier’s lies and murder cover-up
A recent ruling in a high-profile defamation case has found that Ben Roberts-Smith, Australia’s most decorated living soldier, lied to hide his misconduct and threatened witnesses. The judgement also determined that Roberts-Smith was “complicit in and responsible for” the murder of three Afghans. The case involved a defamation suit against three Australian newspapers, which Roberts-Smith accused of ruining his life…
- World News
Pardon granted to Australian mum after 20 years for infant deaths
After spending 20 years in prison, Kathleen Folbigg, once labelled “Australia’s worst female serial killer,” has been pardoned following new evidence suggesting she did not kill her four infant children. In 2003, Folbigg was jailed for 25 years for the murders of three of her children and the manslaughter of her first son. The children died suddenly between 1989 and…
- World News
India’s top agency to probe deadly train crash killing 275
India’s Railway Ministry has called for an investigation by the country’s top detective agency into the devastating train crash that claimed 275 lives. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw made the announcement, though further details were not provided. Investigations led by the railways are already underway, with initial reports suggesting a signal fault as the cause of the crash. The collision involving…
- World News
Ukrainian families return to frontline towns despite Russian threat
In the eastern Ukrainian city of Dnipro, the train station continues to operate despite Russia’s ongoing invasion. Millions of people depend on these trains, with many passengers travelling to the last stop before the eastern front line. Among them are soldiers and young families returning to their homes. One such passenger is 20-year-old Viktoria, who is heading back to Pokrovsk…
