Author: Amanda Martinez

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…

French President Emmanuel Macron will announce a new prime minister to achieve French government stability. This move comes after the French parliament ousted Michel Barnier as prime minister in a non-confidence vote eight days ago. Macron has promised to come up with a replacement. An opinion poll suggests 61% of French voters are worried about the political situation. Macron has been holding round-table talks with leaders from all the main political parties, except for the far-left France Unbowed and far-right National Rally. He will remain in office until 2027 with a government that will not be brought down like Barnier’s…

US President Joe Biden has issued 39 presidential pardons to Americans convicted of non-violent crimes and commuted the sentences of nearly 1,500 other people. This move marks the most acts of presidential clemency issued in a signal day, underscoring Biden’s commitment to justice reform. According to Biden, the individuals pardoned had shown successful rehabilitation. They have demonstrated a commitment to making their communities stronger and safer. Their non-violent convictions included drug offenses, highlighting the need for a more compassionate approach to drug policy. The commuted sentences were for hundreds of people who were placed in home confinement during the COVID-19…

President Joe Biden pardoned 39 Americans convicted of nonviolent crimes and commuted 1,500 lengthy sentences. The White House announced this as the most presidential clemency act issued in a single day in US history. According to Biden’s statement, the people pardoned were the ones who showed signs of getting better and helped to make their neighborhoods safer. The clemency act included those with drug-related charges and those who received unreasonably lengthy sentences under outdated laws. Hundreds of people who were confined in house confinement during the COVID-19 outbreak had their sentences commuted by Biden. The White House highlighted notable recipients…

Romania and Bulgaria are finally joining the European Union’s border-free Schengen travel zone, which will be a relief to the 25 million people living in these countries. This decision comes 17 years after Romania and Bulgaria joined the European Union. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailed it as a day of joy. The new laws will take effect on January 1, 2025. Travelers will drive from Romania and Bulgaria to France, Spain, or Norway without a passport. Although border checks were lifted for air and sea travel last March, Austria only recently lifted its resistance to ending land…