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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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b-c-mla-jordan-kealy-charged-with-sexual-assault
BCJun 04, 2026

B.C. MLA Jordan Kealy charged with sexual assault

Independent B.C. legislator Jordan Kealy has been charged with sexual assault, according to the British Columbia Prosecution Service. The prosecution service said the charge relates to an alleged offence or offences that occurred between Jan. 1 and Sept. 20, 2024, in Fort St. John. The allegation has not been tested in court. Kealy represents the Peace River North riding in the B.C. legislature. The prosecution service said a special prosecutor was appointed following an RCMP investigation to help ensure the administration of justice remains free from any perceived improper influence. Accordin
WorldJun 04, 2026

12 killed in Sri Lanka nursing home fire; investigation underway

A fire at a nursing home in western Sri Lanka killed 12 residents and injured eight others, according to Sri Lankan police. The fire broke out late Wednesday at a care facility in the town of Anguruwatota. Police said 51 residents were rescued from the building. Police spokesperson Fredrick Wootler said emergency responders attended the scene and survivors were taken to safety. Authorities have not yet released details on the cause of the fire. The director of the nursing home has been arrested on suspicion of causing deaths through negligence, police said. Investigators are examining the circ
second-shooting-reported-at-surrey-home-linked-to-extortion-investigation
CanadaJun 04, 2026

Second Shooting Reported at Surrey Home Linked to Extortion Investigation

A Surrey home that was previously targeted in a shooting last month was struck by gunfire again early Thursday morning, according to Surrey Police Service (SPS). Police said officers responded at approximately 4:02 a.m. to reports of shots fired near 57 Avenue and 148 Street in the South Newton neighbourhood. Frontline officers located evidence confirming that gunfire had occurred at the property. Authorities said several people were inside the home at the time of the shooting, but no injuries were reported. The extent of any property damage has not been released. According to SPS, the investi
single-vehicle-crash-on-highway-11-leaves-three-seriously-injured-abbotsford-police-investigating
BCJun 04, 2026

Single-Vehicle Crash on Highway 11 Leaves Three Seriously Injured, Abbotsford Police Investigating

Abbotsford police are investigating a serious single-vehicle collision that left three people injured, including one person who was airlifted to hospital in life-threatening condition. According to an Abbotsford Police Department release, patrol officers responded to the crash at approximately 12:14 a.m. on June 1 near Highway 11 and Townshipline Road. Emergency crews found a black Chrysler 300 with extensive damage and three occupants suffering from serious injuries. All three were transported to hospital for treatment, police said. The investigation is being led by the Abbotsford Police Depa
man-charged-after-rcmp-officer-injured-during-alleged-migrant-smuggling-investigation-in-quebec
CanadaJun 04, 2026

Man charged after RCMP officer injured during alleged migrant smuggling investigation in Quebec

A 25-year-old man is facing multiple charges after an RCMP officer was injured during an alleged migrant smuggling operation near the Canada–U.S. border in southern Quebec, according to the RCMP. Police said the incident occurred Tuesday night near Noyan, Que., south of Montreal, while a border enforcement team was searching for five people who had allegedly entered Canada illegally. According to the RCMP, an officer attempted to intercept a vehicle linked to the investigation when the driver allegedly rammed the door of a police vehicle before fleeing the area. RCMP said Chetan Kumar, 25, w