English

Gavin Blackburn

USA

Trump suggests US could retake control of Panama Canal

The US relinquished control of the waterway to Panama in 1999 under a treaty signed in 1977 under President Jimmy Carter.

Europe News

Spain’s 'El Gordo' lottery gives away millions in Christmas draw

The 22 December annual Christmas lottery began during the Napoleonic wars in 1812 and has continued largely without interruption since then.

Brazil

10 killed after plane crashes into house in southern Brazil

The Civil Defence Agency said the aircraft hit the chimney of the home and then the second floor of a building before crashing into a mobile phone shop in a largely residential neighbourhood of Gramado.

Europe News

Albania's one-year TikTok ban met with anger among young users

Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Saturday that TikTok would be blocked in the new year, blaming the platform for rising incidents of violence and bullying, especially among young people.

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Europe News

Pope calls for ceasefire on all war fronts in pre-Christmas prayer

Francis delivered his Sunday blessing from indoors with Vatican officials citing the cold weather and his upcoming busy Christmas schedule.

Europe News

Ukrainian drones hit Russian fuel depot for second time in a month

Russian independent news outlet Astra shared video of what it said was an explosion at the site, showing a massive orange blaze lighting up the night sky.

Europe News

Officials defend Magdeburg security days after Christmas market attack

German authorities are also under pressure to explain why they didn’t act more swiftly on tipoffs they received last year about the suspect who has been named only as Taleb A. in line with German privacy laws.

Europe News

Protesters in Georgia accuse government of rigging election results

The round-the-clock protests in Tbilisi follow the 26 October elections that kept the governing pro-Russian Georgian Dream party in power. Opponents say the vote was rigged and suspect neighbouring Russia of election interference.

Europe News

Moldovans prepare to decide on EU membership in crucial referendum

Polls put Moldovans' support for EU membership at around 60%, but a minimum turnout of 33% is needed for the referendum to be considered valid.

Europe News

European leaders call for Gaza ceasefire on Hamas attack anniversary

The 7 October Hamas incursion into southern Israel left more than 1,000 people dead and sparked a year of war which has devastated much of the Gaza Strip.

Spain

Spain to end golden visas for foreign real estate investors

Lawmakers hope closing the scheme will shut off an opening that critics say has allowed dirty money into the economy.

Europe News

Romania bans gambling in small towns

A unanimous vote by legislators belies divisions over the wisdom and practicality of the policy.

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