News
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Off-duty officer testifies in trial of deputy accused in Parkland shooting
An off-duty officer, Jeffrey Heinrich, who was present during the 2018 Parkland high school massacre in Florida, has given his testimony in the trial of the deputy accused of failing to stop the shooter. Heinrich described how he initially mistook the gunshots for fireworks before realising the situation and approaching unarmed. The trial focuses on what former Broward Deputy Scot…
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Biden and Sunak unveil Atlantic Declaration boosting defence, renewable energy ties
The United States and the United Kingdom have unveiled the Atlantic Declaration, a new economic agreement aimed at strengthening ties in defence and renewable energy. This announcement took place during UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s first visit to the White House. The agreement, however, does not encompass a full free trade deal that the UK has been seeking since its…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Wildfires cause worst air quality in years for US cities
Intense wildfires in Canada have led to the worst air quality in years for cities such as Washington DC and Philadelphia, affecting millions of people across North America. The hazardous conditions have resulted in event cancellations and flight disruptions throughout the United States. Almost 100 million individuals are currently suffering from very poor air quality. US President Joe Biden referred…
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UK and US unveil Atlantic Declaration to counter China’s economic threat
Rishi Sunak and Joe Biden have established a new partnership aimed at enhancing economic security in response to the growing threat posed by China. Despite not achieving a comprehensive free trade deal with the US as promised in the Tory manifesto, the prime minister and US president announced the Atlantic Declaration during a meeting at the White House. This marked…
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CCTV reveals moments before fatal shooting of police officer in Croydon
Newly released CCTV and body-cam footage offers insight into the moments before and after the fatal shooting of Sergeant Matt Ratana in September 2020. Louis De Zoysa, now 25 years old, stands accused of killing Ratana with an antique revolver at a custody centre in Croydon, south London. The footage, shown during De Zoysa’s murder trial, captures the suspect being…
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Teenage e-bike rider dies in ambulance collision after Salford police chase
A tragic accident in Salford has left a 15-year-old boy dead after his electric bike collided with an ambulance. The incident occurred following a police pursuit which began on Fitzwarren Street at around 2pm. Officers were forced to abandon the chase due to bollards on Lower Seedley Road. However, shortly after, the collision took place on Langworthy Road, resulting in…
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MCA chief accused of power play in Johor Baru division nominations
A Johor Baru MCA division chief candidate has expressed disappointment with party president Wee Ka Siong, accusing him of being power-hungry and manipulating the nomination of the division’s top posts. Ang Boon Heng, the current deputy chief of the Johor Baru MCA division, claimed that irregularities occurred during the division’s nominations earlier this month, leading to predetermined results. Ang stated…
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Sarawak delegation visits Huawei, explores digital economy collaboration
A delegation from Sarawak, led by Deputy Premier Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, visited the Huawei Enterprise Digital Transformation Exhibition Hall in Shenzhen, China. The International Trade, Industry and Investment Minister received a briefing from Huawei officials on the company’s various technologies and initiatives for the digital economy. These include the application of smart processes in sectors such as city management,…
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MACC to monitor RM320m Sabah water project allocation
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has announced plans to closely monitor the allocation of RM320 million (US$76.7 million) for projects aimed at addressing water supply issues in Sabah. MACC chief Azam Baki has instructed the Sabah MACC to collaborate with the state government in overseeing the funds and their related projects, emphasising the importance of spending the money wisely and…
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Bank of Thailand continues interest rate normalisation amid new government
The Bank of Thailand has stated that the formation of a new government will not impact its decision to raise interest rates further. The central bank’s deputy governor, Mathee Supapongse, emphasised the need for the bank to maintain a separate view from elected officials, with the aim of continuing to normalise interest rates. “Despite recent increases, Thai interest rates are…
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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…
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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…
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Teen charged with Aberdeenshire murder, drug supply, and indecent communication
A 19-year-old has been charged with the murder of a 24-year-old man in Aberdeenshire. Michael Jenkins was declared dead on Watermill Road in Fraserburgh after police responded to a disturbance report around 6pm on Sunday. Alfie Whelan, from Sutton, appeared in Peterhead Sheriff Court on Wednesday, facing charges of murder, supplying controlled drugs, and communicating indecently. Whelan has been remanded…
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M&S settles Percy Pig dispute, Swizzels to change design
Marks & Spencer (M&S) has reached a settlement with confectionery firm Swizzels, which it accused of imitating its popular Percy Pig sweets. The two companies have come to an “amicable resolution” after Swizzels agreed to alter the design of its Pigs Mugs sweets. M&S had claimed that the similarities between the products could lead to customers purchasing the wrong item.…
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Coca-Cola, Red Bull seek millions after Scotland’s deposit return scheme collapse
Coca-Cola and Red Bull are among the companies considering seeking millions of pounds in compensation following the postponement of Scotland’s deposit return scheme, according to sources. The Scottish Government’s plan, which would have added a 20p charge to single-use bottles and cans, has been delayed until at least October 2025. The beverage industry had invested millions in preparation for the…
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First Dates’ Merlin Griffiths announces all clear in cancer update
First Dates star Merlin Griffiths has provided fans with an update on his health status, announcing that he is “all clear” of cancer for the time being. The 48-year-old was initially diagnosed with the disease in 2021 and had previously informed fans he was clear of it in April of this year. On Wednesday, Griffiths shared his “final Year 1”…
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Sunak denies broken US trade deal promise, cites pandemic and Ukraine war
The UK’s Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, has defended the government’s inability to secure a trade deal with the United States, attributing the delay to the pandemic and the war in Ukraine. Sunak, who is currently visiting the US, was asked if he accepted that the Conservatives had not fulfilled their 2019 manifesto pledge to strike a deal with…
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Piers Morgan injected info into royal stories, ex-Mirror editor claims
The High Court has heard that Piers Morgan, the former editor of the Daily Mirror, took a “genuine interest” in royal stories and would occasionally “inject” information into articles at the newspaper. Jane Kerr, the paper’s former royal correspondent and later assistant news editor, provided evidence during the second day of the lawsuit brought by Prince Harry against publisher Mirror…
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Malaysia and Indonesia sign border crossing agreement, boosting security
A border crossing agreement between Malaysia and Indonesia has been signed, as part of six bilateral instruments agreed upon during Indonesian President Joko Widodo’s two-day visit to Malaysia. The joint statement by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Joko Widodo revealed that the agreement aims to strengthen Malaysia-Indonesia bilateral relations, particularly in the economic and security sectors. The agreement, which covers…
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Anwar Ibrahim congratulates students on SPM 2022 exam results
Kuala Lumpur witnessed the release of the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) 2022 examination results, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim extending his congratulations to all students. In his social media post, he expressed hope that those who achieved excellent results would be prepared for their next academic phase. He also encouraged students who did not perform as well, reminding…
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Malaysia allocates RM1m to boost Coopmart sales, lower consumer prices
The Malaysia Cooperative Societies Commission (SKM) has allocated RM1 million to implement the Madani Cooperative Sales this year, aiming to promote and encourage the public to shop at cooperative retail stores known as Coopmart. Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick stated that the Madani Cooperative Sales offer daily necessities at prices up to 20% lower than local market…
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Umno to enable online membership applications with constitutional amendment
The United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) is set to approve an amendment to its constitution, enabling online membership applications. The special UMNO General Assembly, scheduled for tomorrow, will discuss the motion to change the clause to a rule, granting the Supreme Council the power to amend membership application rules. UMNO President Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi explained that although an…
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Mahathir Mohamad questioned by police over Malay Proclamation
Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad revealed that he was questioned by the police on June 2 concerning two recent statements. He took to social media to express his concerns about freedom of speech, stating that if his remarks were incorrect, they should be proven so, and that the police questioning him was a form of intimidation. Mahathir claimed that…
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Dewan Rakyat Speaker rebukes MP over Littoral Combat Ship motion
Dewan Rakyat Speaker Johari Abdul criticised Muda Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman for misrepresenting the former’s rejection of a motion to discuss the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) issue in Parliament. Johari claimed that Syed Saddiq was insincere in his criticism, as he did not reveal the reason provided by the Speaker for the decision. Johari explained that his…
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Singapore comedian slammed for MH370 tragedy joke by Malaysian minister
Transport Minister Anthony Loke has criticised Singaporean comedian Jocelyn Chia for making light of the missing Malaysian flight MH370 tragedy in her act. Loke described Chia’s joke as “rude, insolent, and inhumane,” as the incident involved the loss of over 200 lives. Following the controversy, which garnered negative reactions from various parties, Loke reached out to his Singaporean counterpart, S…
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NGOs urge Malaysian PM to repeal Sedition Act, citing free speech concerns
A coalition of NGOs, including Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram), Aliran, Undi18, Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ), Teoh Beng Hock Trust for Democracy, Bersih, Article 19, and Lawyers for Liberty, has urged Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to repeal the Sedition Act 1948. The group, known as Gerakan Hapus Akta Hasutan (GHAH), believes the Act is incompatible with international standards of…
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Singapore comedienne slammed for MH370 jokes in Malaysian Parliament
Singaporean comedian Jocelyn Chia recently faced widespread condemnation in the Malaysian Parliament for making jokes about Malaysia and the tragic loss of Flight MH370 during a comedy show in New York. RSN Rayer, a Member of Parliament, called on his fellow MPs to condemn Chia’s actions, which were deemed extreme and offensive to Malaysians. Rayer highlighted the issue under the…
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