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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

Just In

ndp-to-table-motion-seeking-federal-ban-on-surveillance-pricing
CanadaApr 13, 2026

NDP to table motion seeking federal ban on “surveillance pricing”

The federal NDP is expected to introduce a motion Wednesday calling on the government to ban a practice it describes as “surveillance pricing,” arguing it unfairly targets consumers using personal data. According to the text of the motion, the practice involves companies using information such as a customer’s search history or the amount of time spent on a webpage to adjust prices, both online and in physical stores. The party says this can result in different consumers being charged different prices for the same product. NDP Leader Avi Lewis said the approach could disproportionately af
school-closed-after-early-morning-fire-at-abbotsford-learning-centre-police-investigating-arson
BCApr 13, 2026

School closed after early morning fire at Abbotsford learning centre, police investigating arson

Abbotsford police say an early morning fire at a local school is being investigated as an arson, according to a police news release. Patrol officers responded at about 3:49 a.m. to a report of a fire at the Bakerview Centre for Learning on the 32600 block of Marshall Road. When officers arrived, Abbotsford Fire and Rescue Service crews were already on scene and extinguishing what police described as a small fire. Police said the blaze caused damage to both the exterior and interior of the building. No injuries were reported. According to the Abbotsford Police Department, the investigation rema
surrey-police-investigate-early-morning-shooting-at-surrey-central-residence
CanadaApr 13, 2026

Surrey police investigate early morning shooting at Surrey Central residence

Police in Surrey are investigating a shooting that damaged a home in the Surrey Central area early Monday morning. According to a Surrey Police Service news release, officers responded at حوالي 2:50 a.m. to reports of gunfire near 95 Avenue and 127 Street. When officers arrived, they located a residence with visible damage consistent with gunshots. Police said no injuries were reported among the occupants of the home. The Surrey Police Service Major Crime Section is leading the investigation, with support from Integrated Forensic Identification Services, according to the release. Investig
carney-signals-shift-on-u-s-ties-defence-spending-in-montreal-speech
CanadaApr 13, 2026

Carney signals shift on U.S. ties, defence spending in Montreal speech

Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered a closing address at the Liberal Party’s national convention in Montreal on Saturday, outlining a tougher position on Canada–U.S. relations and a planned shift in defence spending. According to remarks made during the convention, Carney said Canada would move away from past defence procurement patterns in which a significant portion of spending flowed to the United States. He told party members that future investments would be directed more toward domestic capacity. The statement drew a standing ovation from attendees. Carney’s comments come as Canada
AlbertaApr 13, 2026

Proposed Blue Line LRT extension to Calgary airport enters field study phase

The City of Calgary says preliminary field work is set to begin this month as part of planning for a potential northward extension of the Blue Line LRT toward the airport. According to a city notice, crews will conduct on-site investigations along the proposed corridor to 88th Avenue N.E., including assessments of ground conditions, groundwater levels and site-specific details needed for early-stage design. The work is part of the city’s long-term transit planning and would inform future decisions by council on whether to advance the project, including funding, design and timelines. The airp