Author: Amanda Martinez

Igor Kirillov, a notorious Russian general, died in a Moscow explosion. He was head of Russia’s Radiation, Chemical, and Biological Defence troops. The West accused him of overseeing chemical weapons use on the battlefield in Ukraine. Kirillov’s death was caused by explosives in an electric scooter. The scooter blew as he left his apartment building in south-eastern Moscow. Ukraine’s SBU security service claimed responsibility, calling it a special operation. Kirillov was known for outlandish briefings at the Russian defense ministry. He was labeled a significant mouthpiece for Kremlin disinformation by the UK Foreign Office. Kirillov headed Russia’s Timoshenko Radiation, Chemical…

A powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck near Vanuatu’s capital Port Vila, causing widespread damage and destruction. The quake hit at 12:47 local time, with a depth of 10 km, according to the United States Geological Survey. The earthquake briefly triggered a tsunami alert for parts of the Pacific island nation, but officials later confirmed that the threat had passed. The number of casualties is currently unknown. Footage on social media shows the devastating impact of the quake, with collapsed buildings, cars hit by fallen panels, and furniture strewn on floors inside homes. The US embassy in Port Vila is among…

A powerful cyclone has ravaged the French Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte, leaving hundreds feared dead. Cyclone CHido brought wind speeds of over 225 km/h, flattering entire settlements and causing widespread destruction. The poorest communities, living in makeshift shelters, were particularly hard hit. Rescue workers are searching for survivors, but their efforts are being hindered by damaged infrastructure. Many residents are struggling to access necessities like food, water, and shelter. One resident described the situation as a tragedy, saying it felt like being in the aftermath of a nuclear war. French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed his condolences to the…

Israel’s government has approved a plan to expand settlements in the occupied Golan Heights. This move comes after the fall of Syria’s Assad regime. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the expansion is necessary due to the emergence of a “new front” on Israel’s border with Syria. Netanyahu aims to double the population of the Golan Heights, which Israel seized in 1967. There are over 30 Israeli settlements in the area, home to around 20,000 people. These settlements are considered illegal under international law. The announcement comes amid heightened tensions between Israel and Syria. Israel has increased its military presence in…

An explosion killed three people and injured dozens during a crowded festival in Thailand’s northern Tak province late Friday. The festival bombing in Thailand occurred around 11:30 p.m. local time at the Red Cross Doi Loyfa fair in Umphang district.  Eyewitnesses reported the explosive being hurled onto the festival grounds, landing near the stage where people were dancing. Emergency responders quickly arrived, treating critically injured victims at the scene and transporting others to nearby hospitals. Thai police confirmed that 48 people were wounded, including six who remain in critical condition. Officials believe an improvised explosive device (IED) caused the blast,…

In an unprecedented political shift, South Korea’s National Assembly voted for Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment after his controversial martial law attempt. Lawmakers cast a decisive 204 to 85 vote on Saturday, suspending Yoon’s presidency halfway through his term.  Protesters in Seoul filled the streets before the vote, with 200,000 rallying for his impeachment. Yoon’s supporters participated in the protest and rallied for him near Gwanghwamun Square and the National Assembly. Amid the freezing temperatures, organizers distributed food and banners to encourage the protesters to support his removal. These divided rallies reflect a deeply fractured South Korean society reeling from the…

A rare habitat in Dorset, home to reptiles and ground-nesting birds is set to undergo a two-year Heathland restoration project. The £1.2m initiative aims to rejuvenate the heathland at Avon Heath Country Park. Dorset Council is leading the effort. They are removing hundreds of invasive pine trees. These trees are self-seeded and block out sunlight, which is essential for healthy growth. Moreover, the council is also removing invasive species like Rhododendron. This will help reverse habitat loss and create a more favorable environment for native species. Avon Heath Country Park is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It is…

Prince Andrew has stated that he ceased all contact with a businessman accused of being a Chinese spy after receiving government advice. The alleged spy, H6, was banned from the UK due to national security concerns. Moreover, H6 was described in court as a close confidant of Prince Andrew. Furthermore, the court was told that H6 was invited to Prince Andrew’s birthday party in 2020. He was also authorized to act on his behalf in talks with potential investors in China. The UK’s semi-secret national security court upheld the decision to ban H6. Consequently, citing concerns about his attempts to…

During Thursday’s committee meetings, the Anchorage school board deliberated potential changes to Alaska’s school policy on remote learning and rightsizing. While the Mat-Su Borough Schools announced the end of remote learning during severe weather, the Anchorage School District refrained from making an official decision.  ASD Superintendent Jarrett Bryant participated in discussions on various topics, including a new proposal to regulate student use of electronic devices. The proposed policy, BP 5138, outlines distinctions for device use by school level, bans usage in elementary and middle schools, and allows limited use in high schools. Additionally, exceptions for accessibility needs and provisions for…

The Arakan Army (AA) has taken complete control of Rakhine State, marking a significant blow to Myanmar’s military junta. The AA captured the Border Guard Police BGP5 barracks near Maungdaw after a relentless siege lasting months. After the Arakan army seized Rakhine State, it secured the 270 km border with Bangladesh, removing military control from the region for the first time in decades. AA fighters attacked the base with artillery and small arms despite enduring severe casualties due to trenches, bunkers, and more than 1000 landmines. The siege, which began in June, intensified as Myanmar’s air force dropped supplies, yet…

Tunisia’s coast guard recovered nine bodies following the Tunisian refugee boat sinking, which left six people missing. The coast guard rescued at least 27 survivors when the boat took on water and sank off the Tunisian coast. Survivors revealed that 42 people were on board in lousy weather conditions near Chebba during the incident. All passengers hailed from sub-Saharan African Countries, with many hoping to escape to Europe for better lives. Search efforts for the missing six passengers are ongoing, confirmed Judge Farid Ben Jha, who is overseeing the investigation. This tragedy highlights a growing crisis as Tunisia and Libya…

Travis Timmerman was freed from Syrian prison. Travis Timmerman, a 30-year-old American, was found wandering near Damascus after months in a Syrian jail. He had entered Syria on foot seven months ago and was arrested. Timmerman was reported missing in May after he was last seen in Budapest, Hungary. Timmerman described being freed by hammer-wielding men as rebels overthrew the regime of Bashar al-Assad. He said two men broke open his prison door, and he left with a large group of people. Timmerman had been trying to make his way to Jordon and was grateful for the help he received…