Oliver Devereaux

Netherlands: Nationwide ban on phones in schools underway

Cell phones, smart watches, and tablets are now banned for pupils at Dutch primary and secondary schools. The Dutch government called them a “distraction” that reduces academic performance and social interaction. As

10 months ago

Innovations

Oasis tickets: UK government to probe ‘dynamic pricing’

Ministers have promised an investigation after fans complained of inflated ticket prices for Oasis’ 2025 reunion tour. But industry experts insist that “dynamic pricing” is not illegal and based on supply and

10 months ago

Arts & Entertainment

Ukraine updates: Russian missiles rock Kyiv

Russia has launched a fresh large-scale strike on the Ukrainian capital and other cities. Russia unleashed a new wave of missile strikes on Kyiv and the city of Sumy in the northeast

10 months ago

Ukraine

Pope Francis embarks on marathon Asia-Pacific trip

The 12-day visit is Francis’ first major trip abroad in a year. The journey highlights the growing importance of Asia and Oceania to the Catholic Church. Pope Francis begins the foreign trip of

10 months ago

Society

Australia: Storms leave 1 dead, thousands without power

A 63-year-old woman was killed when a tree fell on a cabin. Meanwhile, at least 121,000 people were still without power on Monday. Storms hit southern Australia with high winds and heavy rain leaving

10 months ago

World

Mexico: Students protest planned judicial overhaul

Critics say the proposed reform will politicize the judicial system and compromise its independence. The plan has also strained ties with the US and spooked foreign investors. Thousands of students took to

10 months ago

World

Germany: Far-right AfD wins first state vote since WWII

Results show the far-right AfD winning the election in Thuringia and coming a close second in Saxony. The success in the party’s eastern stronghold states comes around a year before federal elections. 

10 months ago

Politics

Germany: Thuringia and Saxony elections propel far-right AfD

Elections in the two eastern states showcased the rise of anti-establishment parties and the first time a far-right party finishes first in a state election in Germany since World War II. Voters

10 months ago

Politics

Israel: Anger mounts after 6 Gaza hostages found dead

Israel’s military said it found six hostages shortly after Hamas militants killed them. The families of the hostages upped criticism of the Netanyahu government, calling for a deal to secure the other

10 months ago

World

Paralympic triathlons delayed over River Seine water quality

Eleven para-triathlon races were due to take place in Paris early Sunday but were postponed for a day after heavy rain spiked pollution levels in the river. Organizers of the 2024 Paralympics in

10 months ago

Sport

Solingen memorial: German president urges migration control

Germany can only stay open and tolerant if it’s not “overwhelmed” by irregular migration, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said at a ceremony honoring the victims of the Solingen stabbings. Top German officials, including President

10 months ago

World

Germany warns over incendiary devices in freight

German security agencies say “unconventional incendiary devices” are being sent in parcels to recipients in several European countries, DPA news agency reports. They say the packages are catching fire en route. German

10 months ago

World

Basel chosen to host Eurovision Song Contest 2025

The Swiss city of Basel will host next year’s Eurovision Song Contest from May 13 to 17, according to organizers. The event will take place in the St. Jakobshalle, which can accommodate

10 months ago

Arts & Entertainment

New Zealand: Maori king dies after 18 years on the throne

New Zealand’s Maori King Tuheitia has died only days after celebrating 18 years of his rule. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Britain’s King Charles were among those who expressed sorrow. New Zealand’s Maori King

10 months ago

Arts & Entertainment

Thuringia election: Far-left Wagenknecht attacked with paint

A man threw pink paint on far-left politician Sahra Wagenknecht at a campaign rally in Erfurt. The attack comes days before elections in two eastern German states where her party is expected

10 months ago

Politics

Kamala Harris, Tim Walz defend policy ideas in TV interview

In the first major interview of her presidential campaign, Kamala Harris spoke about how she would tackle a raft of pressing domestic and international issues. Her vice presidential pick, Tim Walz, also

10 months ago

Politics

Deportation flight leaves Germany for Afghanistan

A flight has taken off from an airport in eastern Germany deporting individuals to Afghanistan. It is the first deportation of Afghans since the Taliban took power in Kabul in 2021. A

10 months ago

Politics

Japan: Typhoon Shanshan brings heavy rains, halts transport

Typhoon Shanshan continued its journey after making landfall in Kyushu. The intensity has decreased on the second day, but rains and winds still continue. Typhoon Shanshan continued its slow journey across Japan on Friday, causing

10 months ago

World

Brazil may soon shut down Musk’s X after deadline expires

There has been a public feud for months between a Brazilian Supreme Court judge and X’s owner Elon Musk over content moderation on the social media platform. Now X may be suspended

10 months ago

Society

Danish court rejects India extradition request in arms case

India wants Niels Holck to stand trial on gun smuggling charges but a Danish court has said New Delhi cannot guarantee his safety. India claims he is a terrorist who supplied West

10 months ago

World

Macron defends giving Telegram CEO Durov French citizenship

Russian-born billionaire Durov, 39, was detained by French authorities over the weekend. He is facing charges over issues related to illegal content carried on his popular messaging app. French President Emmanuel Macron

10 months ago

Politics

Ukraine updates: Air defense repel another Russian attack

Ukraine’s air force said it destroyed 60 of 74 Russian attack drones and two of three missiles launched overnight. Meanwhile, EU foreign ministers meet in Brussels to discuss the Russia-Ukraine war. Ukrainian

10 months ago

Ukraine

France hands Telegram CEO Pavel Durov preliminary charges

French authorities opened a formal investigation into Telegram boss Pavel Durov after he was taken into custody. Durov is also banned from leaving France for the time being. French judges have issued

10 months ago

World

E-car trailblazer, biologist win German environment prize

An electric car battery engineer who developed a system to slash charging times was announced as a winner of the German environmental prize. A moor and peatland researcher shares the 2024 accolade.

10 months ago

Innovations

Hong Kong convicts two ex-editors at Stand News of sedition

A Hong Kong court has found two editors at the shuttered Stand News media outlet guilty of sedition. It is the first sedition conviction of journalists since the territory was handed back

10 months ago

Society

Germany: Ex-head of banned Islamic center faces deportation

German authorities have issued a deportation order to the former head of the Islamic Center Hamburg. The organization was recently banned as espousing an extremist ideology. Mohammad Hadi Mofatteh, the ex-head of

10 months ago

Society

US, Chinese officials talk about range of issues

At the end of his visit to Beijing, US national security adviser Jake Sullivan met with Chinese President Xi Jinping. According to state media, Xi said China’s commitment to good relations with

10 months ago

Politics

Japan: Typhoon Shanshan kills at least three

Millions have been evacuated, factories have shut down and thousands of households are without power. Officials say it could be the strongest storm to hit the region. Typhoon Shanshan hit the southwestern

10 months ago

World

Paris Paralympics kick off with dazzling opening ceremony

The 2024 Paralympics opened in Paris with a joyous ceremony with performances and acts that delivered a powerful message of unity and inclusivity. The 2024 Paris Paralympics got underway with a magical four-hour-long opening ceremony

10 months ago

Sport

Switzerland convicts 2 oil executives in 1MDB graft scandal

Two men have been sentenced to jail time and ordered to return well over a billion dollars to the 1MDB fund — a Malaysian government development fund whose misuse led to former

10 months ago

World

Germany: Government plans response to Solingen knife attack

Five days after the deadly knife attack in Solingen, the political fallout in Germany continues. While the opposition demands tough asylum measures, others have warned of populist reactions ahead of cross-party talks.

10 months ago

Politics

K-pop band NCT drops singer Taeil amid sex crime accusations

Taeil will be leaving the boyband NCT after being “accused in a criminal case related to a sexual crime,” according to the group’s label. The nature of the crime was not specified.

10 months ago

Arts & Entertainment

Nigeria frees Polish students, lecturer after Kano protest

Poland’s Foreign Ministry said the six students and a lecturer from Warsaw University were in good health and would return this week. They were detained at anti-governnment protests, accused of waving a

10 months ago

Politics

Japan issues emergency alert, braces for Typhoon Shanshan

As Typhoon Shanshan slowly approaches southwestern Japan, the country is bracing for a powerful storm. Airlines announced flight cancelations, and Toyota Motor will suspend operations at all of its domestic plants. Japan issued

10 months ago

World

Italy: Two missing, feared dead in landslide

A landslide triggered by torrential rains has hit a southern Italian town near the city of Naples. Many residents were forced to evacuate, and a search is underway for a woman and

10 months ago

World

Israeli army launches major operation in West Bank

Israel says its forces are “operating with full force” in the West Bank to combat “Iranian-Islamic infrastructures.” Health officials in the Palestinian territory say several Palestinians have been killed in fighting. The

10 months ago

World

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer visits Germany

The UK’s new Labor government is seeking to strengthen ties with Germany, including the drafting of a new security and defense treaty. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Germany on Wednesday,

10 months ago

Politics

Pacific Island leaders endorse regional policing plan

Under the leadership of Australia, Pacific Island nations agreed on a regional policing plan. The move is seen as a response to China’s influence in the region. Pacific Island leaders agreed to

10 months ago

Politics

First rioter to breach US Capitol on January 6 sentenced

A 47-year-old man from Kentucky has been sentenced to 53 months in prison and ordered to pay $2,000 for unlawfully entering the Capitol building and disruptive conduct. The first rioter to breach the US

10 months ago

World

North Korea’s Kim attends test-firing of new rocket launcher

North Korea said it test-fired a 240mm multiple rocket launcher with a new “guiding system.” The move came as the US and South Korea continued joint military drills. North Korea test-fired a 240mm

10 months ago

World

Mexico freezes relations with US, Canadian embassies

Mexico’s president has put relations with the United States and Canadian embassies “on pause” after they voiced concerns over a proposed judicial overhaul plan. The Mexican government has paused its engagement with the ambassadors of

10 months ago

Politics

US: Donald Trump hit by a new federal indictment

The revised indictment is 36 pages long, down from 45 pages, and removes material in an attempt to circumnavigate the US Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity. Donald Trump was hit by a

10 months ago

Politics

Ukraine: Kyiv says 600 Russian soldiers captured in Kursk

The Ukrainian military said its troops had captured 600 Russian soldiers and 100 settlements in Kursk. Meanwhile, Kyiv says it has test-fired a Ukrainian-made ballistic missile for the first time. Ukraine has

10 months ago

World

Pakistan’s PM Sharif vows retribution for terrorist attacks

Pakistani Premier Shehbaz Sharif has pledged to retaliate for deadly attacks by separatist militants that killed dozens. He said the militants in Baluchistan wanted to “stop the journey of progress in Pakistan.”

10 months ago

Politics

World’s oldest sloth dies in German zoo

The sloth known as Jan lived in the Krefeld zoo for 38 years and fathered 22 sloth pups. A sloth in the German city of Krefeld, who was considered to be the

10 months ago

Earth & Climate

Australian police carry out massive nationwide drug bust

Police in Australia say more than 1,600 people have been arrested in an anti-drug operation. A spokesman said the action highlighted “the seemingly insatiable demand” for illicit drugs in the country. Australian police

10 months ago

Society

Sudan dam bursts in heavy rains; 30 dead, thousands impacted

Heavy rains and floods caused the Arbaat Dam near Port Sudan to burst, affecting about 50,000 people. Authorities say the death toll is likely to rise. A dam that burst in eastern Sudan amid

10 months ago

World

Malaysia charges ex-PM Muhyiddin over alleged royal insult

Muhyiddin Yassin, an opposition leader and former prime minister, has been accused of insulting Malaysia’s former king. The rotating monarchy in the country is held in deep respect. Malaysia has brought sedition charges

10 months ago

Innovations

Japan condemns Chinese aircraft violation of its airspace

Tokyo said the Chinese military plane’s incursion was a “serious violation of our sovereignty.” Japan summoned a Beijing diplomat to protest the surveillance aircraft flying over its airspace. Japan on Tuesday lambasted what it

10 months ago

Politics

Anger after Macron rejects France left-wing government

French President Emmanuel Macron has yet to name a new prime minister to end the political deadlock. In response, LFI leader Jean-Luc Melenchon has called for a “motion of impeachment.” French President Emmanuel Macron on

10 months ago

Politics

Mpox: Germany to give Africa 100,000 doses of vaccine

Berlin has said it will donate almost all of its reserve of mpox vaccines to the DRC and other African nations. The WHO says the spread of the disease “can be stopped.”

10 months ago

Earth & Climate

Iceland: Search called off after deadly ice cave collapse

Two people were initially believed to be trapped beneath the ice after a cave in a glacier collapsed. But authorities later said that all the tourists from a group visiting the area

10 months ago

Earth & Climate

Germany’s Scholz seeks new knife laws after Solingen attack

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has visited the city of Solingen three days after a deadly knife attack there. Scholz said he hoped to rapidly “tighten up” German laws on carrying knives. Solingen

10 months ago

Politics

Pakistan: Baluchistan militant attacks leave dozens dead

Separatist insurgents are thought to be behind the widespread assault in Pakistan’s oil-rich Baluchistan province. They ambushed a series of vehicles on a roadside, setting them alight and killing the occupants. A

10 months ago

World

Dutch watchdog fines Uber over driver data protection

A regulator in the Netherlands has slapped ride-hailing app Uber with a €290 million finer for transferring European drivers’ data to the US. The firm described the decision as “extraordinary.” The Dutch data

10 months ago

Business

Australian workers now have the ‘right to disconnect’

A law giving workers the legal “right to disconnect” from work has come into effect in Australia. This gives workers the right to ignore unreasonable contact from their employers outside of work

10 months ago

Business

Iceland: 2 missing in ice cave collapse

The collapse of an ice cave in a glacier trapped four people from a group of 25 who were touring the area. Two were extracted with injuries while two more were still

10 months ago

World

Brazil authorities declare ‘war’ on blazing wildfires

Wildfires burned through the Brazilian most populous state of Sao Paulo, causing transport disruptions and school closures. Two industrial plant workers died while fighting off the flames. Wildfires burned in the Brazilian most populous

10 months ago

Earth & Climate

Lufthansa subsidiary Discover Airlines plans strike

The four-day strike is scheduled to start on Tuesday, trade unions representing pilots and cabin crew said. Founded in 2021, the airline operates 27 aircraft from Munich and Frankfurt to a range

10 months ago

Business

Foreign workers ‘indispensable’ for eastern Germany — study

A new study has found that foreign workers create billions in revenue for eastern German states. The data was published just days before the anti-immigrant AfD looks set for big wins in

10 months ago

Society

Germany: Solingen attack suspect named, remanded in custody

Prosecutors have identified the Syrian man who allegedly killed three people at a festival in western Germany. He was remanded in pre-trial detention, accused of murder and links to the “Islamic State”

10 months ago

World

Nepal: 14 dead after Indian pilgrim bus plunges into river

The bus, carrying 40 people, left the highway near a central town as it traveled from the tourist city of Pokhara to the capital, Kathmandu. Fourteen people died and 16 were injured

10 months ago

World

Germany: Berlin Zoo panda Meng Meng gives birth to twins

The cubs weigh less than 170 grams and are about 14 centimeters long. The German zoo said although both offspring are doing well, the first few days are critical for their survival.

10 months ago

World

Germany’s Deichmann sets world triathlon record

German athlete Jonas Deichmann has competed in 106 consecutive days of long-distance triathlons and aims to reach 120. The Stuttgart native has been nicknamed the “German Forrest Gump.” German extreme athlete Jonas Deichmann

10 months ago

Sport

Nepal: 14 dead after Indian pilgrim bus plunges into river

The bus, carrying 40 people, left the highway near a central town as it traveled from the tourist city of Pokhara to the capital, Kathmandu. Fourteen people died and 16 were injured

10 months ago

World

Germany: NATO airbase raises security over potential threat

The NATO airbase in Geilenkirchen raised its security alert after reports of a potential threat. The move led to non-essential staff being sent home as a safety measure. A NATO airbase in western Germany on Thursday

10 months ago

Politics

Venezuela’s top court backs Maduro’s disputed election win

The Venezuelan Supreme Court ruled in favor of President Nicolas Maduro’s contested election win, despite allegations of fraud. The UN has questioned the court’s impartiality. Venezuela’s Supreme Court has confirmed President Nicolas Maduro’s

10 months ago

Politics

Mallorca taxi driver accuses German police of brutal attack

A Spanish taxi driver said that four German police officers from Essen attacked him over a lost cellphone. Four German holidaymakers in the Spanish island of Mallorca have been accused of assaulting and badly injuring

10 months ago

World

Germany investigates drone flights over industrial park

Prosecutors in northern Germany cited “the suspicion of espionage activity for sabotage purposes” when confirming the probe. This follows “repeated” drone flights over “critical infrastructure.” Investigators in northern Germany confirmed on Thursday that they

10 months ago

Politics

Botswana unearths world’s second-largest diamond

Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi was quick to view and pose with the vast gemstone. Diamonds are a key export for the country, although the company that unearthed the diamond is based in

10 months ago

Business

Indonesia: Protests put halt to electoral law changes

Thousands clashed with police and attempted to storm parliament, in reaction to a plan to change the country’s electoral rules. Former President Joko Widodo has been accused of trying to establish a

10 months ago

World

3 South Korean skiers killed in New Zealand highway crash

A van and a four-wheel drive collided in New Zealand’s South Island, killing 3 South Korean ski athletes. The island is home to New Zealand’s Southern Alps mountain range, which is popular

10 months ago

World

US: New York resident charged with spying for China

A US national of Chinese origin has been accused of spying on Chinese dissidents for Beijing’s MSS intelligence service. He had taken part in China’s 1989 pro-democracy movement and was later granted

10 months ago

World

Sicily yacht: Body of UK’s Lynch reportedly recovered

UK tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter were among the missing. Media reports suggested Lynch’s body was the one brought to shore on Thursday. The yacht capsized due to an

10 months ago

World

India: Blast at pharmaceutical factory kills 17

Officials said that the blast at the pharmaceutical plant in Andhra Pradesh was so intense that workers suffered severe skin burns. Officials suspect there was an explosion in the chemical reactor. At

10 months ago

World

Gay penguin Sphen dies in Australian aquarium

A penguin famous for being in a same-sex male relationship at a Sydney aquarium has died at the age of 11, the Sea Life Aquarium has announced. An Australian penguin famous for raising chicks

10 months ago

Earth & Climate

Taylor Swift says she felt ‘fear’ over canceled Vienna shows

The US singer broke her silence two weeks after her Vienna shows were canceled over threats of a terror attack. US pop star Taylor Swift expressed the cancellation of her Vienna show over a suspected suicide

10 months ago

Arts & Entertainment

Taliban ban UN human rights rapporteur in Afghanistan

The Islamist regime has claimed Richard Bennet was spreading “propaganda.” The UN has accused the Taliban of creating a system of “gender apartheid.” Afghanistan’s de facto rulers, the Taliban, have barred UN Special Rapporteur for

10 months ago

World

Germany: In Thuringia, Merz repeats CDU won’t ally with AfD

The leader of the Christian Democrats in Germany, Friedrich Merz, has visited the eastern state of Thuringia ahead of a hotly-awaited state vote. He said his party’s pledge never to ally with

10 months ago

Politics

German police report significant rise in illegal migration

According to federal police, unauthorized border crossings were up 33.4% on the previous year. The figure was up across the EU’s external borders as well. Germany’s Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) released

10 months ago

World

Bosnia: At least three killed in shooting in school

A school employee shot and killed three people in a school building in a town in northwestern Bosnia, police said. The shooter was severely injured. A Bosnian high school employee shot and killed at

10 months ago

World

Romanian police raid Andrew Tate and his brother’s houses

Divisive social media influencer Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan are awaiting trial in Romania on human trafficking charges. Authorities have raided four properties belonging to the pair. Police in Romania have raided several

10 months ago

World

Iran: Bus crash kills at least 28 Pakistani pilgrims

The Pakistani pilgrims were traveling through Iran to Iraq to mark a major Shiite annual event known as Arbaeen. A bus carrying Pakistani  pilgrims crashed in central Iran killing at least 28 people on board, state

10 months ago

World

Australia approves hub to export solar power to Singapore

Australia has given the go ahead for a massive solar and battery farm that would export energy to Singapore. The plan has been described as the “largest solar precinct in the world,”

10 months ago

Earth & Climate

Biden approved China-focused nuclear strategic plan

According to the New York Times, the roadmap highlights the United States’ wariness of the growing threat of Russia, North Korea and in particular China. US President Joe Biden gave the green light for a

10 months ago

Politics

Disney drops arbitration bid in allergy death after backlash

The media giant has withdrawn a controversial attempt to settle a wrongful death case in arbitration. It had previously argued a one-month Disney+ subscription was a waiver against suing the company. The Walt

10 months ago

World

Italy yacht search missing include Morgan Stanley boss

Specialist divers have resumed a search for six people off Sicily, including the chairman of Morgan Stanley International and a tech tycoon. One man was found dead after a mini tornado capsized

10 months ago

World

Ukraine updates: Kyiv issues evacuation orders in Pokrovsk

Pokrovsk’s 53,000 residents were urged to flee to safety. Meanwhile, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said Ukraine’s incursion into Russia’s Kursk region shows Kremlin threats of retaliation are a bluff. The Ukrainian government issued

10 months ago

Ukraine

S. Korea and US hold joint drills with eye on N. Korea

The drills are part of the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises that are designed to boost the joint readiness of the South Korean and US militaries against threats from North Korea South

10 months ago

Politics

German court upholds ex-Nazi camp secretary conviction

The 99-year-old woman, Irmgard F., had been sentenced by a juvenile court for her job as a secretary in the Stutthof concentration camp. Germany’s Federal Court of Justice (BGH) on Tuesday upheld the conviction of

10 months ago

World

India court orders doctors’ safety panel after rape, murder

India’s top court has ordered a national task force of doctors to make recommendations on safety to be established. It comes after the rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata

10 months ago

World

US intelligence officials blame Iran for Trump, Harris hacks

US officials have accused Iran of trying to influence the US presidential elections by targeting the campaigns of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. Tehran has denied the allegations. US security agencies on Monday

10 months ago

Politics

DNC: Biden passes torch to Harris in convention speech

US President Joe Biden received an emotional welcome on the first night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Biden said selecting Kamala Harris to be his vice president was the “best

10 months ago

World

Lithuania begins construction of German military base

The NATO-country site is situated near Lithuania’s border with Russian ally Belarus. It will be the first permanent foreign military deployment of German troops since World War II. Lithuanian and German officials

10 months ago

World

Ilkay Gündogan quits German national team

Gündogan played football for his country on 82 occasions. The 33-year-old was the German captain during Euro 2024. Germany captain Ilkay Gündogan announced his retirement from international football on Monday. The 33-year-old midfielder is ending his

10 months ago

Sport

German federal police record number of officers attacked

The annual report said that a total of 2,979 officers were attacked in 2023, with 145 injured during the January 2023 face off between police and climate activists in Lützerath. The German Federal

10 months ago

World

Left Party leaders Wissler and Schirdewan to step down

Several batterings in the polls has seen party confidence in the pair deteriorate. Janine Wissler and Martin Schirdewan will step aside at the socialist German opposition Left Party’s conference in October. The

10 months ago

Politics

New Zealand: Emigration soars amid economic woes

Population growth in New Zealand has almost stagnated owing to high emigration rates, new statistics show. Neighboring Australia is a popular destination for many leaving the country. New Zealand’s population of 5.3

10 months ago

Earth & Climate

China jails another former football official over bribery

Li Yuyi, the former vice president of China’s Football Association, has been jailed for 11 years for accepting bribes and gifts. It’s part of a probe into around a dozen football officials

10 months ago

Sport

Chinese, Philippine ships collide in South China Sea

China accused the Philippine vessels of “deliberately” colliding with the Chinese ship near the disputed Second Thomas Shoal. Manila and Beijing had come to a “provisional arrangement” aimed at ending altercations. Chinese

10 months ago

Politics