English

Gavin Blackburn

Sport

FIFA chief says fans 'should chill' about Somali ref denied US entry

The 2026 men's World Cup has been expanded to 48 teams and is the biggest and most ambitious in the event's history, with matches taking place in Mexico, Canada and the United States.

Cuba

'Children are dying,' Cuba says as US blockade hampers aid deliveries

The blockade, coupled with expanded US sanctions that punish companies doing business with the Cuban state, has intensified the worst economic and energy crisis on the island in over a generation.

Europe News

Bulgaria to end weapons supplies to Ukraine, PM Radev says

Bulgaria, which is member of NATO and the European Union, has been providing military aid Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022.

Europe News

UN nuclear watchdog demands stockpile 'information' from Iran

The resolution comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East, with the US having launched airstrikes against Iran early on Wednesday and Tehran firing back at countries in the region.

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Europe News

Macron says trust in France institutions 'at stake' after girl's death

The body of the girl, named as Lyhanna, was found last week after she went missing on 29 May in the southwestern town of Fleurance.

Pakistan

Pakistan army helicopter crashes in Kashmir, killing all on board

Witnesses said that the helicopter crashed shortly after take-off from a helipad. Ambulances arrived at the scene and transported the victims to a nearby hospital.

South Africa

Gunmen shoot dead 12 near Johannesburg, South African police say

Police said the motive was not yet known and no arrests had been made, but there were suspicions it was related to competition over illegal mining in the area.

China

Hong Kong charges seven people over massive fire that killed 168

The massive blaze, which engulfed seven of the eight high-rise apartment blocks at the Wang Fuk Court estate in November, prompted a months-long investigation into the cause.

Myanmar

Thai woman in custody after American diplomat found dead in Myanmar

The Thai Embassy in Yangon and Thailand's Foreign Ministry refused to say whether they had provided consular support to the suspect or give any other information.

USA

FIFA says 'not involved' as award-winning Somali ref denied US entry

A FIFA spokesperson confirmed in a statement that Artan, who says he was detained for 11 hours at Miami International Airport, would play no part in the World Cup.

Europe News

Police in Northern Ireland arrest man after violent Belfast stabbing

Video posted to social media shows a man stabbing another man several times in the head with a knife in what appears to be an attempted beheading.

Europe News

Albania's PM posts AI video of himself in bra in swipe at influencers

In a speech, Rama argued that many influencers make money by promoting themselves on social media while paying no taxes to the state.

Europe News

Ukrainian strikes start fires at oil facilities in Russia and Crimea

Daily Russian attacks have intensified in recent months and Ukraine has hit back with its own drone strikes further into Russian territory, saying these are mainly against military and energy facilities.

Philippines

Around 20,000 displaced by Philippine earthquake that killed 37

The Philippines is often hit by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions due to its location on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” an arc of seismic faults around the ocean.

Europe News

Businesses and unions unite against Swiss immigration cap push

The initiative faces broad opposition across the government, parliament and business sector, but opinion polls suggest the vote could be tight.

USA

Donald Trump booed by crowd during anthem prior to NBA Finals

The Secret Service deployed counter-drone technology as part of its operation to protect the US leader, who has faced three alleged assassination attempts in less than two years.

Europe News

Pope denounces 'scourge' of abuse before meeting victims in Spain

Speaking to reporters on the flight to Madrid on Saturday, the pope said the scandal of sexual violence was "still an open wound" for the Church.

Afghanistan

Women detained in Afghanistan's Herat in clothing crackdown

Women nationwide must be completely covered when they leave home, with many wearing a flowing abaya robe along with a Muslim headscarf and a face covering.

China

Hong Kong proposes city's leader decide national security offences

After massive democracy protests rocked the Asian financial hub in 2019, Beijing imposed a national security law that has been used to arrest many leading activists.

Europe News

Russian drone shot down in eastern Latvia, confirms top politician

Europe has been on high alert for weeks after a string of drone flyovers into NATO airspace, prompting leaders to agree to develop a "drone wall" to better detect and intercept drones violating airspace.

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