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u-s-pauses-immigrant-visa-processing-from-75-countries-over-public-assistance-rules
WorldJan 14, 2026

U.S. pauses immigrant visa processing from 75 countries over public assistance rules

The United States has suspended the processing of immigrant visa applications for citizens of 75 countries, citing concerns that some applicants could require public assistance after settling in the country. The U.S. State Department confirmed Wednesday that consular officers have been directed to halt immigrant visa processing from the affected countries. The move follows a broader order issued in November that tightened eligibility standards for immigrants deemed likely to become a “public charge” under U.S. immigration law. Officials emphasized that the suspension applies only to immigr
WorldJan 14, 2026

Deadly crane collapse strikes moving train in Thailand, dozens killed

A major rail disaster in Thailand has left at least 32 people dead after a construction crane collapsed onto a moving passenger train near Bangkok, authorities confirmed Wednesday. The crash injured at least 66 others, including seven people who remain in critical condition. The accident occurred around 9 a.m. as the train was travelling from Bangkok toward the northeastern province of Ubon Ratchathani. Officials said about 171 passengers were on board at the time, many of them students and workers commuting between regions. According to Thailand’s State Railway, the crane was part of an ong
former-us-president-donald-trump-claims-role-as-venezuelas-acting-president-in-social-media-post
WorldJan 12, 2026

Former US President Donald Trump Claims Role as Venezuela’s “Acting President” in Social Media Post

In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, former United States president Donald Trump identified himself as the “acting president” of Venezuela, saying he would assume that position in January 2026. He also referred to himself as both the 45th and 47th president of the United States in the same message. There has been no official confirmation or statement from the White House or the current US administration regarding Trump’s claim about Venezuela. The Trump post comes after a major US action on January 3, when Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, we
michael-reagan-conservative-commentator-and-son-of-former-u-s-president-dies-at-80
WorldJan 07, 2026

Michael Reagan, conservative commentator and son of former U.S. president, dies at 80

Michael Reagan, the eldest son of former U.S. president Ronald Reagan and a long-time conservative media figure, has died at the age of 80, according to an announcement from the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute. In a statement shared Tuesday on social media, the foundation described Reagan as a dedicated defender of his father’s political philosophy and legacy, noting his continued involvement in public discussions around conservative values and leadership long after Ronald Reagan left office. Michael Reagan was a familiar voice in American conservative media, serving as a
WorldJan 06, 2026

Flash floods in Indonesia’s North Sulawesi leave at least 16 dead, emergency declared

At least 16 people have died after sudden flash floods swept through parts of Indonesia’s North Sulawesi province following days of intense rainfall, according to local authorities. Heavy downpours caused rivers to overflow and embankments to collapse, sending fast-moving water mixed with debris into residential communities. Officials say several homes were completely washed away, while more than 140 houses sustained significant damage. Hundreds of residents were forced to flee their homes as floodwaters surged through low-lying areas, disrupting daily life and damaging local infrastructure.
maduro-appears-in-u-s-court-as-lawyers-prepare-to-challenge-drug-trafficking-case
WorldJan 05, 2026

Maduro appears in U.S. court as lawyers prepare to challenge drug trafficking case

Deposed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro made his first appearance in a United States courtroom Monday, facing drug trafficking and narco-terrorism charges that U.S. authorities say justified his arrest and transfer to New York. Maduro appeared briefly before a federal judge in Manhattan for an initial procedural hearing, a routine step that marks the beginning of what is expected to be a lengthy legal battle. His defence team is widely expected to argue that he cannot be prosecuted in the U.S. because of immunity claims tied to his status as a former head of state. Earlier in the day, Mad
man-detained-after-damaging-windows-at-u-s-vice-president-jd-vances-ohio-home
WorldJan 05, 2026

Man detained after damaging windows at U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s Ohio home

A man has been detained after damaging property at U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s residence in Ohio, according to the U.S. Secret Service. The agency said agents assigned to protect the home detained the suspect early Monday after windows were broken and additional damage was reported at the property in Cincinnati’s Walnut Hills neighbourhood. Two law enforcement officials said the man used a hammer to break a window and attempted to enter the house. Authorities confirmed the residence was unoccupied at the time of the incident. Vice President Vance and his family were not in Ohio and had
saudi-arabia-carries-out-airstrikes-on-yemen-port-amid-dispute-over-separatist-arms-shipment
WorldDec 30, 2025

Saudi Arabia carries out airstrikes on Yemen port amid dispute over separatist arms shipment

Saudi Arabia says it carried out airstrikes on Yemen’s eastern port city of Mukalla after what it described as the arrival of weapons intended for a separatist force, marking a sharp escalation in tensions within the Saudi-led coalition involved in Yemen’s long-running conflict. In a statement released Tuesday through the state-run Saudi Press Agency, the Saudi military said the strikes targeted weapons and combat vehicles unloaded at the port from ships that had arrived from Fujairah, a port city on the United Arab Emirates’ eastern coast. The kingdom said the operation was limited in s
WorldDec 30, 2025

Former Bangladeshi prime minister Khaleda Zia dies at 80 after decades shaping national politics

Khaleda Zia, a former prime minister of Bangladesh whose long-running political rivalry with Sheikh Hasina dominated the country’s public life for more than three decades, has died at the age of 80. Her Bangladesh Nationalist Party confirmed her death in a statement released Tuesday. Zia served two terms as prime minister and was a central figure in Bangladesh’s transition from military rule to parliamentary democracy. Her political career was closely intertwined with that of Hasina, leader of the Awami League, with the two women alternating in power and shaping the nation’s often turbul

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evacuation-alert-issued-for-10-properties-as-konni-lake-wildfire-burns-out-of-control-in-b-c
BCApr 24, 2026

Evacuation alert issued for 10 properties as Konni Lake wildfire burns out of control in B.C.

An evacuation alert has been issued for 10 properties in British Columbia’s Cariboo region as a wildfire burns out of control early in the province’s wildfire season. According to a joint notice from the Xeni Gwet’in First Nation, the Tsilhqot’in National Government, and the Cariboo Regional District, the alert was issued late Thursday for properties near the Konni Lake wildfire, located about 200 kilometres southwest of Williams Lake. The alert advises residents to be prepared to leave on short notice. BC Wildfire Service information indicates the Konni Lake fire was measured at about
WorldApr 24, 2026

Ceasefire extension in Lebanon followed by continued strikes in southern areas

An announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump to extend a ceasefire in Lebanon by three weeks has not been reflected in conditions on the ground, according to field reports from southern parts of the country. An airstrike was reported in the village of Deir Aames in southern Lebanon, where residents were instructed by the Israeli military to move approximately one kilometre away before the strike. Witnesses reported hearing warplane activity shortly after the warning was issued. The developments come about 10 days after a ceasefire was said to have taken effect. Despite that agreement, airstr
abbotsford-police-arrest-repeat-break-and-enter-suspect-allege-breaches-of-court-ordered-conditions
BCApr 24, 2026

Abbotsford police arrest repeat break and enter suspect, allege breaches of court-ordered conditions

A 35-year-old man is in custody following a second alleged residential break and enter in Abbotsford, months after being charged in a similar incident, according to a police news release. The Abbotsford Police Department said patrol officers first responded in November 2025 to a reported break and enter in progress in the 32500 block of Peardonville Road. Police allege Jaskaran Singh was identified, arrested and charged in that case. According to police, Singh was released from custody in March 2026 under several court-ordered conditions, including 24-hour house arrest, and relocated to anothe
federal-deficit-reaches-25-5b-in-first-11-months-of-2025-26-fiscal-year
CanadaApr 24, 2026

Federal deficit reaches $25.5B in first 11 months of 2025–26 fiscal year

The federal government recorded a budgetary deficit of $25.5 billion for the April to February period of its 2025–26 fiscal year, according to the latest monthly fiscal monitor from the Department of Finance. The result compares with a deficit of $19.3 billion reported during the same 11-month period in 2024–25, indicating a year-over-year increase in the shortfall. According to the Finance Department report, total revenues reached $453.2 billion, up 0.8 per cent from $449.8 billion a year earlier. Program expenses, excluding net actuarial losses, rose to $424.9 billion, a 2.1 per cent inc
AlbertaApr 24, 2026

Flood alert issued for downtown Peace River as Heart River levels rise

The Town of Peace River has issued a flood alert for areas including its downtown, warning residents to be ready to leave on short notice due to rising water levels on the Heart River. According to a municipal notice, the alert covers the area between the Highway 2 bridge and 104 Avenue in the town’s south end. Officials say the alert is precautionary but reflects the potential for flooding if river conditions worsen. Residents in the affected zone are being advised to prepare for a possible evacuation by fuelling vehicles and gathering essential items, including identification, medications