Malek Fouda
Bulgaria
Thousands protest new budget plans in Bulgaria ahead of final approval
Thousands of protesters staged a major demonstration outside the parliament building in the capital, Sofia, to denounce the steep taxes announced in next year’s budget draft. Protesters formed a human chain around the building to prevent MPs from exiting.
China
Death toll rises to 83 as blaze rips through Hong Kong tower complex
Firefighting and rescue missions continued into Thursday for a second day after a massive fire broke out in Hong Kong, gripping a complex of seven high-rise residential buildings. At least 83 people were killed and dozens more were injured in what is the worst fire to hit the territory in decades.
USA
Two US National Guard troops shot just blocks from the White House
Trump says a “re-examination” of all aliens in the United States is needed after an Afghan national was apprehended for shooting two US National Guard troops, just blocks away from the White House, in what officials say was a targeted attack.
ADVERTISEMENT
Brazil
Brazil's Jair Bolsonaro begins 27-year prison sentence for coup plot
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has started to serve a 27-year prison sentence on Tuesday after he was convicted for leading a coup attempt following his 2022 presidential election loss, despite pressure and protest from US President Donald Trump.
New Zealand
Two climbers dead after fall on New Zealand's Aoraki Mount Cook
Authorities say they were alerted late on Monday night local time that four climbers needed help as they attempted to climb Mount Cook. Two people were rescued and airlifted by helicopters, as authorities work to recover the bodies of the two remaining climbers.
Yemen
Five people killed as gunmen attack Yemeni official's motorcade
At least five people were killed in the attacks which targeted a high-ranking member of Yemen’s internationally recognised government. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack as officials launch an investigation to determine to bring those responsible to justice.
China
China says Japan 'crossed a red line' with Taiwan intervention remarks
China slammed Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s comments suggesting potential Japanese military action over Taiwan as reckless and shocking, calling it a “grave violation” of international law and threatening a military response against any “aggression”.
United Kingdom
PM Starmer says Andrew should testify in US investigation into Epstein
Keir Starmer refused to specifically comment on former Prince Andrew’s case but suggested that the disgraced royal should testify, as a matter of “principle”, before US Congress who continue to investigate Jeffrey Epstein’s sexual assault incidents.
Switzerland
US and Ukraine make progress in Geneva talks to end Russia's invasion
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that Kyiv's concerns had been taken on board and would be incorporated into possible amendments to US President Donald Trump’s initial peace proposal. Rubio noted that higher-level talks will be needed to agree on a final text.
USA
Trump orders investigation into alleged Epstein ties to Clinton, banks
Trump has ordered Justice chief Pam Bondi to launch an investigation into links between prominent Democrats, including former US President Bill Clinton, and convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein after new emails released by Congress.
Ukraine
Ukraine and Russia trade overnight strikes on energy facilities
Ukrainian energy companies reported a complete power outage after two thermal power plants supplying the Kyiv and Kharkiv were struck overnight by Russia. Officials in Kyiv also shared that their forces carried out strikes targeting the Kremlin's energy sector, which it says funds the invasion.
USA
US federal government shutdown continues into its 40th day
The longest federal government shutdown in US history continues into its 40th day as Democrat and Republican senators clash over health care funding. The shutdown has left critical programmes like food aid unfunded, federal employees unpaid and caused major disruptions to critical sectors, like avia
ADVERTISEMENT