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WorldDec 19, 2025

EU approves 90 billion euro loan package to support Ukraine through 2027

European Union leaders have agreed to provide Ukraine with a 90 billion euro interest-free loan aimed at supporting the country’s military operations and stabilizing its economy over the next two years. The decision was confirmed Friday by European Council President Antonio Costa following late-night negotiations among member states. In a statement posted on social media, Costa said the funding package for 2026 and 2027 reflects the bloc’s long-term commitment to Ukraine as it continues to defend itself against Russia’s invasion. Details on how the loan will be financed have not yet been
fbi-deputy-director-dan-bongino-to-step-down-next-month-amid-internal-tensions
WorldDec 18, 2025

FBI deputy director Dan Bongino to step down next month amid internal tensions

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino says ‘ll resign from his role next month, bringing an end to a short and closely watched tenure as the bureau’s second-in-command. His departure had been widely anticipated following months of friction between FBI leadership and the U.S. Justice Department. Bongino, a former Secret Service agent and conservative media personality, has faced scrutiny over public positions he held before joining the FBI, particularly his commentary on the handling of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Since taking office, Bongino has been required to reco
u-s-announces-expanded-travel-ban-covering-seven-more-countries
WorldDec 17, 2025

U.S. announces expanded travel ban covering seven more countries

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a full travel ban on citizens from seven additional countries, expanding restrictions that now affect people from a total of 39 nations, according to a letter released by the White House on Tuesday. Under the new decision, full travel restrictions will apply to Palestine, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan and Syria. The administration has also imposed partial travel limits on citizens from 15 other countries, though specific details of those restrictions were not immediately released. The White House said the measures are being introduced in the i
ukraine-russia-war-zelenskyy-says-peace-deal-could-be-finalized-within-days
WorldDec 16, 2025

Ukraine–Russia war: Zelenskyy says peace deal could be finalized within days

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says a possible peace agreement to end the long-running war with Russia could be finalized within the next few days following discussions with United States officials. He said Washington is leading renewed diplomatic efforts aimed at bringing the conflict to a negotiated close after years of fighting. Zelenskyy told reporters that U.S. envoys are expected to present a draft framework to Moscow ahead of potential high-level meetings in the United States next week. He said Ukraine remains engaged in talks while seeking security guarantees and international
WorldDec 16, 2025

Small Private Jet Crashes During Emergency Landing in Mexico, Seven Dead

A small private jet crashed during an attempted emergency landing in central Mexico on Tuesday, killing seven people and leaving three others unaccounted for, according to Mexican authorities. The aircraft had departed from the coastal city of Acapulco late Monday and was en route to Toluca International Airport when it reportedly developed a technical malfunction. Officials said the pilot attempted an emergency landing in a populated area as the situation worsened. During the landing attempt, the jet narrowly missed a football field before striking the roof of a factory in the San Mateo Atenc
jimmy-lai-found-guilty-in-hong-kong-national-security-case-that-draws-global-concern
WorldDec 15, 2025

Jimmy Lai found guilty in Hong Kong national security case that draws global concern

Hong Kong’s High Court has convicted veteran media entrepreneur and pro-democracy advocate Jimmy Lai in one of the most closely watched national security cases since Beijing imposed the law on the city in 2020. A panel of three judges approved by the government ruled Monday that Lai conspired with others to collude with foreign forces and took part in publishing what authorities described as seditious material. Lai, 78, is the founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper, once one of Hong Kong’s most widely read and outspokenly critical publications. He pleaded not guilty to all charge
prime-minister-modi-arrives-in-jordan-for-two-day-official-visit
WorldDec 15, 2025

Prime Minister Modi arrives in Jordan for two-day official visit

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Jordan on Monday for a two-day official visit aimed at strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries. He was received at the airport by Jordanian Prime Minister Jafar Hassan. During the first day of his visit, Prime Minister Modi met members of the Indian-origin community in Jordan, highlighting the role of people-to-people connections in deepening bilateral relations. The visit is taking place at the invitation of Jordan’s King Abdullah. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Modi and King Abdullah are expected to hold bilateral talk
WorldDec 12, 2025

Former Bangladeshi PM Khaleda Zia placed on ventilator as health deteriorates

Doctors in Dhaka say former Bangladeshi prime minister Khaleda Zia has been moved to a ventilator after her oxygen levels dropped sharply earlier this week. The 80-year-old opposition leader has been in Evercare Hospital since November 23 for multiple ongoing health complications, according to her medical team. Members of the hospital’s medical board reported that Zia began experiencing increased difficulty breathing, prompting the shift to full respiratory support. Physicians say her condition has not shown significant improvement despite weeks of treatment. Zia, who heads the Bangladesh Na
donald-trump-unveils-new-gold-card-immigration-program
WorldDec 11, 2025

Donald Trump unveils new ‘Gold Card’ immigration program

Former United States president Donald Trump announced on Thursday the launch of a new immigration initiative he calls the Gold Card, opening the application process for the program. Under the plan, individuals can apply for the Gold Card at a fee of US$1 million, while companies wishing to secure a card for executives or employees would pay US$2 million. Trump’s campaign says cardholders would receive a U.S. passport, full voting rights and the same benefits enjoyed by other American citizens. Trump framed the Gold Card as part of his broader “America First” policy agenda, asserting the

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CanadaSep 17, 2026

Canada Must Focus on Value-Added Products Instead of Raw Materials: EDC

Amid the federal government’s efforts to open up new markets, Export Development Canada (EDC) said in a report released Thursday that Canada needs to invest in processing raw materials domestically and turning them into higher-value products instead of exporting them in their raw form. EDC CEO Alison Nankivell said such investments could add nearly $100 billion to Canada’s GDP over the next decade. The report used yellow peas as an example. While exporting raw peas may generate about $30 per tonne, processing them into flour can raise the value to $300 per tonne. Turning them into products
16-arrested-in-abbotsford-retail-theft-operation-project-pumpkin-spice
BCSep 17, 2026

16 Arrested in Abbotsford Retail Theft Operation ‘Project Pumpkin Spice’

Abbotsford Police have arrested 16 people accused of shoplifting as part of Project Pumpkin Spice, a retail crime enforcement operation conducted on Sept. 11 as part of a nationwide campaign. According to police, 11 officers from the Abbotsford Police Department’s Street Outreach Response Team worked with 20 local businesses during the 10-hour operation. Sgt. Paul Walker said several of those arrested had previous criminal records and outstanding warrants. Police recovered more than $1,600 worth of stolen merchandise during the operation. A vehicle allegedly used in the offences was also sei
b-c-municipalities-urge-eby-to-hold-provincial-election-after-local-vote
BCSep 17, 2026

B.C. Municipalities Urge Eby to Hold Provincial Election After Local Vote

British Columbia’s political scene is heating up amid signals from Premier David Eby that an early provincial election could be called. Amid the uncertainty, Union of B.C. Municipalities president Cory Ramsay is calling for any potential mid-term provincial election to be held only after the municipal elections are completed. Ramsay noted that local elections are scheduled for Oct. 17, with campaigning beginning Sept. 19 across 188 communities. He warned that calling a provincial election during the municipal campaign could distract more than 3,500 local candidates and residents from key iss
police-take-major-action-in-burnaby-hospital-fire-case-after-six-year-investigation
BCSep 17, 2026

Police Take Major Action in Burnaby Hospital Fire Case After Six-Year Investigation

Police have charged a 29-year-old Alberta man in connection with a fire at Burnaby Hospital in 2020, following an investigation that lasted nearly six years. Burnaby RCMP said the B.C. Prosecution Service approved charges against Yu Yun Wang on September 8, including arson and endangering human life. The fire broke out on November 15, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, in the hospital’s mental health services wing. The blaze caused millions of dollars in damage, forced the emergency department to close and led to the evacuation of patients. Police said the suspect was identified in 2023 aft
AlbertaSep 17, 2026

Alberta Man Sentenced to 12 Years for Sexual Assaults on Vulnerable Women

An Alberta man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for a series of sexual assaults against vulnerable women at a rural property near Calgary. Richard Robert Mantha, 62, was convicted of six offences, including drugging one of his victims, in incidents that occurred between 2019 and 2023. He was also found guilty of uttering threats against another woman. The court heard that most of the victims worked in the sex trade. Justice Judith Shriar said Mantha showed “callous disrespect” when he laughed as one terrified victim fled his rural property, fearing for her life. Mantha received cre