News

Ghana's top court postpones hearing on challenge to anti-LGBTQ bill

ACCRA (Reuters) - Ghana's Supreme Court said on Wednesday that lawyers battling over the legality of one of Africa's most restrictive anti-LGBTQ bill must amend their motions due to insulting language in their submissions and then postponed the case. Parliament unanimously passed the bill that would intensify a crackdown on LGBTQ rights in the West African nation in February, but President Nana

Ukraine says thwarted Russian-led plot to kill Zelensky

KYIV — Ukraine said Tuesday it had unravelled a Russian plot to assassinate senior Ukrainian political and military figures, including President Volodymyr Zelensky. Two Ukrainian security officials were arrested for their links to the group, which had aimed to carry out high-profile killings ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s inauguration on Tuesday. “The terrorist attack, which was supposed to be a gift to Putin for his inauguration,...

Poland's Tusk seeks to revive commission to investigate Russian influence

WARSAW (Reuters) -Poland's prime minister wants to revive a Polish commission investigating Russian influence, he said on Wednesday, amid heightened fears about espionage after a Polish judge who had access to military secrets asked for asylum in Belarus. While Poland has long said that its position as a key distribution hub for supplies to Ukraine makes it a major target for Russian spies, judge

Seven villagers die in DR Congo attack blamed on rebels

M23 rebels have bombed a village in DR Congo's South Kivu province killing seven people and wounding six more, local officials said Wednesday. "A bomb launched by the rebels from Masisi territory fell on Kisongati village in Kalehe territory", on Tuesday said Archimed Karhebwa, the local deputy administrator.

Advancing in Ukraine, Russia to mark victory in World War Two

By Guy Faulconbridge MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia on Thursday marks the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two as relations with the West spiral deeper into crisis over the advance of Russian troops against Ukraine's Western-backed forces. Vladimir Putin, who rose to power just eight years after the Soviet Union broke up, will speak at the Victory Day parade on Red Square though

Construction begins on new schools after delays

The site which includes a primary and a secondary school, will welcome its first pupils in 2026.

'I'm a drug dealer, not a murderer' - defendant

Israar Shah tells a jury he had nothing to do with a shooting outside a house party.

Hontiveros urges release of Ayungin ‘new model’ pact evidence

MANILA, Philippines – The “evidence” allegedly proving that a Philippine army official reached an agreement with China regarding a “new model” on Ayungin Shoal should be made available to the government, Senator Risa Hontiveros said on Wednesday. “Kung meron talaga silang recording at kung meron talaga silang transcript, they should at the least make it available to the government — to the Executive, dahil seryosong claim na naman nila yan ng...

China embassy’s ‘barking’ violates wiretapping law if claims true — Teodoro

LAOAG CITY, Philippines — Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Wednesday said he does not want to dignify China’s “barking” about the purported “new model” on Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal situation. However, if the Chinese embassy’s claim of holding audio evidence of the “new model” is true, Teodoro said its officials violated the country’s wiretapping law. The Republic Act 4200 prohibits recording any private conversation without the...

Revilla makes first public appearance since his Achilles tendon injury

MANILA, Philippines — Lakas–Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) Chair and Senator Bong Revilla on Wednesday made his first public appearance since tearing his Achilles tendon. Revilla hobbled on a walker into the Manila Polo Club in Makati City for the alliance signing of Lakas-CMD and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP). READ: Revilla in hospital, asks for prayers The injured senator said in an ambush...

Kenya declares public holiday to mourn flood victims

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Kenya’s President William Ruto has declared Friday a public holiday to mourn the 238 people who have died due to ongoing flooding. The president on Wednesday said the day will be observed by national tree planting activities to help mitigate the effects of climate change. Kenya, along with other parts of East Africa, have been overwhelmed by floods. More than 235,000 people are displaced and living in dozens of camps....

Nursery worker treated baby who died 'no different'

Kate Roughley said she had thought about Genevieve Meehan "every day".

Taiwan offers STEM scholarships to PH students

MORE than 2,000 students and officials from various schools in Luzon trooped to the SMX Convention Center Manila in Pasay City recently to check on available scholarships offered by 15 Taiwanese universities. Spearheaded by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO), the Taiwan Ministry of Education (MOE), and the International Talent Circulation (Intact) Base Taiwan-Philippines, the academic program for Filipino students and professionals...

Firefighters tackling 'significant' blaze in Swindon

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service advises nearby residents to keep their windows shut.

Mega Millions winning numbers for May 7 drawing: Jackpot rises to $331 million

Mega Millions players, are you feeling lucky? The winning numbers are in for the May 7 drawing.

US police break up Gaza protest encampment at George Washington University

Police say arrests made as US-wide crackdown continues on student-led demonstrations in support of Palestinians in Gaza.

Armed police seen in hospital after stabbing

A man in his 30s was rushed to Royal Berkshire Hospital with stab wounds.

Colombia recognizes dissident ELN faction as independent organization

BOGOTA (Reuters) -A front of Colombian leftist rebel group the National Liberation Army (ELN) has broken ranks with the group's central command, becoming the guerrillas' first dissident faction, as Colombia's government on Wednesday recognized it as an independent organization. The Southern Community Front, which operates in Colombia's Narino province, announced its split with the wider ELN on

Putin's latest plan to kill Zelensky failed

MP Natalie Elphicke reveals why she crossed the floor to Labour

Rishi Sunak was hit with a bombshell today as another Tory defected to Labour. Dover MP Natalie Elphicke announced she was crossing the floor just moments before Mr Sunak faced a bruising PMQs session.

Cyclist, 37, dies following crash with car

The police say officers are supporting the cyclist's family and are asking witnesses to come forward.

Man on bike with machete spotted by police drone

A PCSO saw the man and was able to monitor him before officers arrived, police say.

Attempted murder probe after man is injured

A man remains in a critical condition in hospital after suffering a head injury in Basildon.

Cops tagged in PNP exec’s slay positive for gunpowder

MANILA, Philippines — The two police officers tagged in the killing of a police official in Parang, Maguindanao del Norte early this month have tested positive for gunpowder, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported yesterday. M/Sgts. Aladdin Ramalan and Shariff Balading had traces of gunpowder on their hands, PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said, citing paraffin test results. Capt. Roland Moralde, an administrative officer of the...

In the US South, pro-Palestinians face crackdown on campus and in streets

Authorities have been intolerant of pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Louisiana, but the movement continues.

Severe floods in Brazil kills at least 100 people and strands animals

Brazilian authorities confirmed Wednesday that 100 people have been confirmed dead and 128 are still missing due to the storm that flooded the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul last week,

Mohammad Rasoulof Lawyer Says Dissident Director Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison, Flogging by Iran Court

Dissident Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof has received an eight-year prison sentence, as well as a fine, confiscation of his property and flogging, by an Iranian court, Rasoulof’s lawyer Babak Paknia announced in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Wednesday. Paknia said the verdict was issued by 29th branch of the Islamic Revolution […]

Britain to expel Russian spy amid new fears over Kremlin espionage

James Cleverly told MPs that an 'undeclared' Russian military intelligence officer had been posing as Moscow 's defence attaché and had been told to leave the country.

Marcos Jr’s Partido Federal unites with Lakas-CMD

MANILA, Philippines — The Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) led by President Marcos formalized its alliance with the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) yesterday, marking the revival of a UniTeam alliance for the 2025 midterm elections. Marcos witnessed the signing of the “Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas” between the PFP and Lakas-CMD at the Manila Polo Club in Makati City. Also present at the gathering were Lakas-CMD president...

Armed groups committing atrocities in Mali: HRW

Mali is plagued by armed groups, making swaths of territory ungovernable, and UN peacekeepers have been kicked out.

Masterpiece hidden in mine in WW2 returns to Wales

A masterpiece of 18th century Italian art will go on display at the National Library of Wales.

Investigation as van fire spreads to supermarket

A police cordon was put in place around a city centre Iceland store following the incident.

Chad opposition candidate's party condemns 'threats and violence'

Chadian presidential candidate Succes Masra's party on Wednesday condemned violence against him and his supporters, urging people to defend their "will expressed at the ballot box" against electoral fraud. It urged people to "remain vigilant and mobilised to defend their will expressed at the ballot box".

Three people fined for filming crash in Louth

Gardaí witnessed three motorists driving past while recording the scene with their phones.

Russia unleashes ‘massive’ barrage targeting Ukraine energy infrastructure

Ukraine continues to call for more weapons as Russia seeks to batter industry and resistance.

Catalan separatist leader campaigns over border in France to avoid arrest in Spain

ARGELES-SUR-MER, France (Reuters) - A Catalan separatist leader, running to regain the presidency of the restive Spanish region, is bussing supporters to his election rallies over the border in France because an arrest warrant prevents him from entering Spain. Carles Puigdemont faces arrest in Spain over the crimes of misuse of public funds and disobedience for his role in Catalonia's 2017

'Significant arrest' after chop shop inquiry raid

West Midlands Police carried out two raids on Wednesday, in relation to suspected "car cannibalism."

Russian spy expelled from Britain under crackdown as Vladimir Putin told to stop 'malign activity'

Home Secretary James Cleverly said Russia would respond with 'conspiracy theories and hysteria', and accusations of Russophobia but the UK would not be swayed

CVIRAA 2024: ANS, CEC hands Cebu City gold medals in basketball

CEBU CITY, Philippines—The Abellana National School (ANS) and Cebu Eastern College (CEC) Dragons dominated the hardcourt in the Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association (CVIRAA) after winning the gold medal in the basketball events for the host delegation and defending champions, Cebu City Niños on Wednesday, May 8, in separate venues. The ANS remained the queens of the hardcourt after retaining their title in the secondary girls 5×5...

Interloper joins ‘Made in China’ mock enemy ship sinking drills

LAOAG CITY, Philippines — A surprise guest joined Wednesday’s sinking exercise here where a “made in China” ship was made the target of naval missiles and airstrikes as part of Manila and Washington’s war games. However, the marine interloper appeared to have no sinister intention, according to Lt. Col. Omad Abdullah Al Assaf, the maritime strike lead planner for this year’s Balikatan. READ: US, PH begin striking ‘Made in China’ mock target ship...

Poe pushes bill that aims to purge electronic vote buying, selling

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Grace Poe has filed a bill seeking to purge vote buying, specifically buying and selling of votes electronically. Poe’s Senate Bill No. 2664 was filed on Wednesday ahead of the 2025 midterm polls and in time for the 20th anniversary of the “Hello Garci” scandal. READ: WHAT WENT BEFORE: ‘Hello Garci scandal’ investigation To recall, the scandal involved a series of recorded phone calls between then presidential...

P4P supports ERC’s decision to appeal ruling on power supply deal

MANILA, Philippines — A watchdog group has supported the Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC) move to appeal before the Supreme Court (SC) a ruling of the Court of Appeals (CA) that allowed two power generating arms of San Miguel Corporation (SMC) to walk out on power supply deals with Meralco. The two power generating arms are the Ilijan gas and Sual coal power plants. READ: ERC to suspend WESM ops during red alerts to control power rates –...

Journalists named in Harry's case against Mail publisher

Editors of the Sun, the Times the Mail on Sunday are among those named.

Colombia National Electoral Council magistrates urge investigation into Petro campaign

By Luis Jaime Acosta and Carlos Vargas BOGOTA (Reuters) - Two out of nine magistrates in Colombia's National Electoral Council (CNE) have requested an investigation be opened into Colombian President Gustavo Petro's 2022 campaign over alleged spending violations, two sources said on Wednesday. Magistrates Benjamin Ortiz and Alvaro Hernan Prada also requested an investigation into Ecopetrol chief

Elite private school sparks outrage over woke Mother's Day move

Mothers have accused an elite private school of pushing 'woke ideology' after students were invited to buy gifts at a 'Family Day' stall ahead of Mother's Day.

Today's headlines: China's claims, massive gathering in BSP, Bianca Bustamante | The wRap | May 9, 2024

Here are today's headlines – the latest news in the Philippines and around the the world: - China ups ante, says it has audio recording of ‘new deal’ arrangement with PH Wescom chief - Marcos’ Partido Federal, Lakas-CMD forge alliance for 2025 elections - Finally, Supreme Court defines red-tagging as a threat - Hundreds flock to Bangko Sentral to claim ‘hidden wealth’ - Steadily improving, Bianca Bustamante earns maiden podium finish in 2024 F1 Academy https://www.rappler.com/video/daily-wrap/may-8-2024/

Malawians who abandoned Israeli farms deported

They went to Israel as part of a deal to provide agricultural workers after the 2023 Hamas attacks.

Russian deputy defence minister loses appeal against detention in $11 million bribe case

MOSCOW (Reuters) -A Russian court on Wednesday rejected an appeal by deputy defence minister Timur Ivanov against his pre-trial detention in a bribery case in which his lawyer said he denies taking kickbacks worth about a billion roubles ($10.9 million). The Moscow court service said Ivanov's appeal to be released or placed under house arrest was denied. In the biggest corruption scandal for

PFP, Lakas-CMD alliance is ‘the most powerful political force’ – Romualdez

MANILA, Philippines — Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) President and House Speaker Martin Romualdez called their political party’s new alliance with the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) “the most powerful political force” in the country. PFP — led by Romualdez’s cousin, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.— consists of a sizable number of local leaders in its party. Lakad-CMD, on the other hand, comprises one-third of the members of the House...

Ex-president Duterte being fed wrong info on Cha-cha, says solon

MANILA, Philippines — House of Representatives Deputy Speaker and Quezon Rep. David Suarez believes former president Rodrigo Duterte is being served with wrong information on many issues and and still insists that Charter change is about extending the term limits of officials. Suarez, in a press briefing in Makati on Wednesday, said this after being asked about Duterte’s latest tirades, where he said that the 1987 Constitution would only be...