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Gavin Blackburn

Europe

Sweden moves to prevent school attacks after deadly sword assault

Education Minister Simona Mohamsson told a press conference that the government would be appointing a school attack commission "that will propose new measures to prevent future school attacks."

South Korea

South Korea says US cancelled joint marine drills over Iran war

The cancellation follows US President Donald Trump's order last week to scale down the separate annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, cutting the joint drills from 11 days to five.

New Zealand

New Zealand introduces legislation to ban social media for under-16s

Under the proposed law, firms like Meta could be fined up to 10% of their global revenue if they fail to comply.

Culture news

Netherlands withdraws from 'no longer' neutral 2027 Eurovision

The 2026 competition was watched by 131 million viewers, down 35 million on the year before after five countries boycotted it over Israel's participation.

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Europe

Greece moves Patriot system to Crete over Iran threats to US bases

The Financial Times reported last week, quoting Iranian sources, that Iran would fire missiles at US targets in Europe if President Donald Trump steps up military pressure over the Strait of Hormuz.

USA

US strike on alleged drug-smuggling boat in Pacific kills two

The US military launched operation "Southern Spear" in early September, with President Donald Trump arguing Washington is effectively at war with drug cartels operating out of Latin America.

Europe

King Harald's health 'deteriorated' at weekend, Norway's palace says

Europe's oldest reigning monarch is being treated for haemolytic anaemia, a condition caused by an abnormally rapid destruction of red blood cells which leads to fatigue, paleness and shortness of breath.

Thailand

Thai PM meets security chiefs after attacks in southern provinces

As has often been the case with such incidents, no group was immediately publicly blamed or claimed responsibility for the actions.

Europe

Owner of Swiss bar in deadly blaze held for domestic abuse, media say

French couple Jacques and Jessica Moretti have been the focus of intense scrutiny since the fire ripped though their bar Le Constellation, in the Crans-Montana ski resort in the early hours of 1 January.

Europe

Migrants, rescue ships face threats at sea by Libyan groups, NGO says

The International Organisation for Migration said this month that the number of deaths in the Mediterranean had increased, while the number of migrants attempting the crossing had fallen because of tougher European policies.

India

Indian police used excessive force during protests, Amnesty says

Demonstrations in the capital New Delhi, triggered by the leak of the national medical entrance test, turned violent on 20 July when thousands of protesters attempted to march towards parliament.

Democratic Republic Of Congo

DR Congo Ebola outbreak 'growing exponentially,' UN warns

The Ebola outbreak is already the biggest in the country's history and is spreading faster than any outbreak on record.

Mauritania

Mauritania coastguard rescues more than 300 migrants in Atlantic

Thousands of people have for years attempted the perilous Atlantic route on overloaded and often dilapidated boats to reach Europe via Spain's Canary Islands.

Europe

ICC head warns of demise of 'rule of law' after fresh US sanctions

Washington has repeatedly accused the ICC of "politicised actions" and of "targeting Israel" after it issued an arrest warrant for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu relating to the war in Gaza.

Liberia

Group of 20 migrants deported from United States arrives in Liberia

Authorities in Monrovia announced on Tuesday the country would accept up to 1,200 foreign nationals deported from the US within a year.

Europe

Two Swiss apartment block fires leave five missing and 19 injured

Around 100 firefighters were sent to the scene, where crews were still working to extinguish the fire on Friday morning.

Europe

Russian drones hit border crossing with Moldova, Ukraine says

The announcement comes a day after a Romanian F-16 fighter jet destroyed an explosive-laden maritime drone close to Europe's largest offshore gas project.

Panama

Panama Canal to reduce shipping as El Niño fuels drought in lakes

The operator said it does not rule out further restrictions on shipping depending on how much it rains in the coming weeks.

Europe

University suspends academic behind Jason Arday plagiarism claims

Arday, who became Cambridge's youngest-ever black professor when he was appointed in 2023, was found dead Friday aged 41.

USA

UN Security Council holds second informal poll for next leader

Costa Rica's Rebeca Grynspan was the front-runner after last month's first informal vote, in which the council's 15 members, including the five with veto power, pass judgment in secret on the candidates.

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