News

Bolivia President Arce denies allegations of role in failed coup attempt

LA PAZ (Reuters) - Bolivian President Luis Arce on Thursday denied any involvement or knowledge of a failed coup attempt led by General Juan Jose Zuniga a day earlier, after Zuniga told reporters that Arce had asked him to in order to boost his popularity. Zuniga, now detained, "acted on his own accord," Arce told a press conference. The president also maintained that everything "had returned to

Dela Rosa: Dutertes to lead opposition if Marcos, ‘pinklawan’ unite

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa said the Dutertes will be compelled to lead the political opposition if President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. allies with the “pink forces” and other non-traditional partners. Dela Rosa underscored the potential role of the Dutertes in shaping the country’s political landscape. Earlier, former senator Antonio Trillanes IV floated the possibility of forming an “Anti-Duterte Unity Ticket” after Vice...

As young Iranians lose hope, a reformist runs for president

As Iran votes for a new president, a reformist critical of the morality police has been topping polls.

‘Victims’ of ‘Basaan 2024’ urged to file case at San Juan prosecutor’s office

MANILA, Philippines — San Juan City is urging “victims” of this year’s “Basaan” or “Wattah Wattah” Festival to come forward, as it offered them help in filing complaints against participants who caused a disturbance. Mayor Francis Zamora made this call in a press conference on Thursday, revealing that one victim has filed a complaint against a participant, citing the San Juan City police. READ: San Juan City probes reported ‘Basaan 2024’ chaos...

Teenager not guilty of murdering homeless man in park

Milton Hurlington died after he was wounded with a broken vodka bottle.

Ukraine military says Russian troops pushed out of part of key eastern town

(Reuters) - Ukraine's military said on Thursday its forces had forced Russian troops out of a district in the town of Chasiv Yar on the war's eastern front seen as Moscow's next target in its slow advance through the area. But a Russian report said Moscow's forces had destroyed a communications tower near the town and made further headway. Russian forces are slowly pushing their way across parts

Tory minister Steve Baker 'plots bid to replace Rishi Sunak next week'

The 53-year-old joined other senior Tories in jostling for position ahead of a possible leadership contest by hinting he would run for the party's top job.

Rishi Sunak told to tax 'millionaires and billionaires' during campaign stop in Derbyshire

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, during a visit to a pottery factory in Derbyshire, was told by an audience member to tax 'the millionaires and billionaires'.

Former Uvalde, Texas, school police chief indicted over deadly shooting

By Brad Brooks and Jasper Ward (Reuters) -A grand jury in Uvalde, Texas, indicted former school district police chief Pedro Arredondo over the police response to the 2022 shooting at Robb Elementary School that killed 19 students and two teachers, authorities said on Thursday. The Uvalde County Sheriff's office said Arredondo was in custody and was being booked on 10 counts of child endangerment

Slovak train crash kills five people, injures at least five others

(Reuters) - A Slovak train crash with a bus killed five people and injured at least five others, emergency services said on Thursday. "According to information from intervening crews, five people suffered injuries that they were unable to survive, and at least five other people are injured," emergency services said on Facebook. The collision occurred near Nove Zamky, 110 km east of the capital

World leaders with the longest reigns

The role of president or prime minister is similar to that of a king. While democratic systems of government disperse the decision-making power in a more egalitarian manner than a traditional monarchy, there is essentially still one person at the top wearing the crown. In most democratic countries, the length of time one person can hold these positions is limited to avoid leadership monopolies, but in some places, like Russia and Turkey, certain leaders have found ways to extend their reigns. Click on and meet the world leaders with the longest reigns.

The shameful history of human trafficking

Human trafficking is a crime with its origins in the African slave trade of the 16th century. Indeed, it's a form of modern-day slavery defined by the illegal act of gathering, moving, receiving, or keeping human beings by threat, force, coercion, or deception for exploitative purposes such as labor service, a paid-for sex act, and even organ removal. Annually, nearly 20 million people globally are victims of human trafficking, many of them women and children. It's a crime that leaves a lasting toll on human life, families, and communities around the world. So, how exactly are people trafficked, what are the tactics used, and can more be done to eradicate this dreadful exploitation of innocent individuals? Click through and read about the shameful history of human trafficking.

JONATHAN BROCKLEBANK: I'm voting to keep SNP out by NOT voting Reform

Awaiting us in our letter box on our return home from holiday on Sunday were two envelopes marked 'official poll card enclosed'.

Sunak criticises Farage and Starmer 'would work with Le Pen'

With days to go until polling day, the general election features on many of Friday's front pages.

Mongolians vote as anger grows over corruption and economy

Mongolians headed to the polls in parliamentary elections on Friday, with the ruling party widely expected to win despite deepening public anger over corruption and the state of the economy. The centre-right anti-corruption HUN party is expected to increase its parliamentary representation through its social-media savvy, professional candidates who enjoy significant support among the urban middle classes.

Church forced to apologize after publishing concerning ad in bulletin

Ascension Catholic Church is Chesterfield, Missouri made national news this week over an alarming advertisement published in its bulletin. The parish has since retracted the ad.

Don't surrender, urges Sunak amid fears Tory voters think it's over

Do not surrender to Labour, Rishi Sunak said on Wednesday night - not just once, but again and again and again.

Two dead, 2 seriously wounded in Brussels shooting

BRUSSELS — Two people were shot dead and two others gravely wounded on Thursday in an area known for drug trafficking near the Gare de Midi train station in Brussels, police said. The incident occurred between 1:00 and 2:00 am near a cafe in the Saint Gilles district of the Belgian capital and the suspect or suspects fled, a police spokesman said. In total, three people were wounded. Two are in a life-threatening condition, while a third is...

Moment Royal Navy detonate WW2 bomb in Kent seaside town

This is the moment the Royal Navy detonated a WW2 bomb in the sea off Kent after it was caught by a fisherman.

The math behind your chance at a lottery win

Do you dream of winning a jackpot? Ever get lost daydreaming, imagining the freedom that a big lottery win could bring to your life? Well, looking at odds and probability, a lottery win is a matter of mathematics, however much a longshot! Intrigued? Click on to discover the math behind your chance at a lottery win.

El Salvador plans mass firing of culture ministry employees

SAN SALVADOR (Reuters) -El Salvador President Nayib Bukele said on Thursday that the culture ministry would fire 300 employees who he said were promoting agendas "incompatible" with the government's vision. "Furthermore, we will save public funds in the process," Bukele said on X. "Bitter medicine." Bukele did not elaborate. But last week he appointed Raul Castillo, a former teacher, as culture

Bolivia government had prior intelligence of coup planning, minister says

By Monica Machicao LA PAZ (Reuters) -The Bolivian government had intelligence that a coup attempt could occur before the country's top military commander and his troops forced their way into the presidential palace this week, a senior government minister said on Thursday. The failed coup on Wednesday happened over just a few hours and provoked swift condemnations from world leaders, raising

‘Ahead among the rest,’ Kiyomi Watanabe headed for another Olympics

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine Judo Federation is thrilled to have another bet in the Olympics after Filipino bet Kiyomi Watanabe punched her ticket to the 2024 Paris Games. Watanabe will be embarking on Olympics journey, having represented the Philippines in the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Olympics in 2021. Her qualification was officially announced on Tuesday. “We’re fortunate we have more than enough number of athletes trying to qualify for...

These are the 30 most corrupt countries in the world right now

Corruption, a scourge that undermines governance, stifles economic growth, and erodes the very fabric of society, is a global phenomenon that knows no borders. Its impact can be devastating, affecting not just the corridors of power but reaching deep into the daily lives of ordinary citizens. From the bustling markets of Guatemala to the oil-rich fields of Nigeria, corruption shapes the fortunes of nations and the destinies of their people. The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), a tool used to measure the perceived levels of public sector corruption, serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that lie ahead for many countries. With scores that paint a vivid picture of the state of corruption worldwide, the CPI highlights both the strugglers and the stragglers in the fight against this pervasive issue. It rates countries on a scale from 0-100, with 0 being "highly corrupt" and 100 being "very clean," according to the Transparency International website. Click through the gallery to delve deeper into the shadowy world of greed and discover which countries are most affected by corruption in 2024.

NBI nabs 2 sisters for exploiting girl, 11

MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation arrested two sisters for allegedly sexually exploiting an 11-year-old girl, the NBI announced yesterday. The victim is a daughter of one of the suspects, according to NBI chief Jaime Santiago. Olga Angustia-Gonzales, who heads the NBI Anti-Human Trafficking Division, said the operation was conducted based on information provided by a non-government organization. The NBI probe showed that...

Amish girl, 9, dies after being dragged by a horse in Pennsylvania

The girl died at a Lancaster farm on Tuesday after being dragged by the horse for about a quarter of a mile, according to the coroner's office.

La Union, Bulacan universities to now offer Medicine program

MANILA, Philippines — Two universities in La Union and Bulacan have recently received approval from the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) to operate a Doctor of Medicine program. In a statement on Thursday, CHEd announced that Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU) and Bulacan State University (BulSu) had been authorized to offer this program starting in the academic year 2024-2025. READ: Symptoms persist: Nurses leaving, docs...

Four men arrested over attempted child kidnappings

Police received reports of two incidents in Gilberdyke in which young girls were approached by men.

PH affirms ILO of a stable, responsive social contract

AFFIRMING the Philippines' commitment to social justice, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma vowed to continue working with the International Labor Organization (ILO) and its member states in renewing the country's social contract and pursuit of social justice. In his ministerial statement before the 112th International Labor Conference held June 12 in Geneva, the Labor Chief said that, in the world of work, the social contract involves...

Truck driver, helper crushed by steel sheets in Davao City

MANILA, Philippines — A truck driver and his helper died after they were crushed by steel sheets they were transporting in Davao City last June 25. In a report on Thursday, Davao police said 56-year-old driver Nestor Doronio and his helper KR Rasonable, 24, were traversing along C.P. Garcia Highway in Barangay Bunawan when a woman crossed the road. Doronio tried to avoid hitting the pedestrian by stopping the truck, but his abrupt brake...

More than 140 grams of marijuana seized at Port of Clark

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has confiscated 142 grams of high-grade marijuana at the Port of Clark in Pampanga, the agency said on Thursday. The BOC said the illegal substance arrived on June 13 in a shipment declared as a children’s toy. READ: BOC, Naia foils P13.4-million drug smuggling attempt However, when it passed through X-ray screening, the shipment displayed “unusual images” which led to its physical examination...

What is behind the attempted coup d'état in Bolivia

Viral ‘missing’ P350,000: Man says sorry after claiming hacking issues

MANILA, Philippines — The man who released a viral video claiming that his bank account was hacked, resulting in the alleged loss of P345,000, issued a public apology. According to Gleen Cañete in his Facebook post on Wednesday, it was actually his family who made the withdrawals. READ MORE DICT traces hacking attempts to China US disrupts China hacking drive vs vital infrastructure – officials “[N]a-realize ko na hindi tama na masyado akong...

Swiss court convicts ‘richest family’ in UK over exploiting servants in luxury villa

Four members of the wealthy Hinduja family have been found guilty of exploiting poorly paid servants at their luxury villa in Geneva. This verdict is a significant setback for the Swiss branch of one of India’s richest and most powerful families. Ajay Hinduja, his wife Namrata, and his parents Prakash and Kamal were found guilty of paying their staff much less than Swiss law requires. Judge Sabina Mascotto stated that the servants, hired from...

INQToday: New DepEd chief to be named this week; Marcos: Ayungin incident was deliberate, illegal

Here’s a quick roundup of today’s top stories: Marcos to name new DepEd secretary this week President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday said he would name a new Education secretary by the end of the week, as it is important to move forward after Vice President Sara Duterte’s resignation from his Cabinet. “Well we have to carry on, and the Department of Education (DepEd) is quite possibly, arguably the most important because education is that...

Duterte assured of fair, respectful House EJK probe

MANILA, Philippines — Ex-President Rodrigo Duterte was assured that lawmakers would be “fair and respectful to him” during a House panel hearing on extrajudicial killings. The House of Representatives committee on human rights extended an invitation to Duterte to attend the hearing, which should be a good opportunity for the former top leader of the nation to address allegations of rights abuses in his administration’s “drug war”, according to...

Pentagon alarmed over suspected North Korean involvement in Ukraine

Einstein, teleportation, and the mysterious "Philadelphia Experiment"

In 1955, details emerged of a military experiment conducted by the US Navy that has endured as a bizarre Second World War conspiracy. According to an eyewitness, 12 years earlier a warship had suddenly disappeared from a Philadelphia shipyard. It reappeared several minutes later. What had just happened? It's an incredible story that involves Albert Einstein, the theory of teleportation, and the possibility of extraterrestrial life. Fact or fiction? You decide. Click through and relive the moment when aliens were blamed for abducting a battleship.

Agri chief Laurel bares smugglers’ bribery try

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. on Thursday said a group of smugglers attempted to bribe him to allow the entry of several products into the country. According to Bernadette Reyes’ “24 Oras” report, Laurel did not disclose the identity of the alleged smugglers but said it occurred after the Department of Agriculture (DA) discovered the supposed transfer of smuggled products from a condemnation facility. “Sinuhulan ako ng initially...

Man arrested after Tory election volunteer attacked

West Mercia Police say they arrested a 59-year-old man on suspicion of assault.

Comelec: Number of new voter registrants exceeds 4-million mark

MANILA, Philippines — The number of new voter registrants for the 2025 national and local elections has breached the four-million mark, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said on Thursday. As of June 27, there are 4,057,001 new voter registrants in the Philippines – exceeding Comelec’s target of 3 million before the registration closes in September. READ: Comelec breaches 3 million target of new voter registrants Region IV-A logged the...

Poland and Baltics demand defence line against Russia and Belarus

Poland and the Baltic states have demanded the EU strengthens its eastern border, warning of a 'looming threat' from Russia and Belarus along its 1,500-mile border with the East.

Survivor of Parkland school massacre wins ownership of shooter's name in lawsuit settlement

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — The most severely wounded survivor of the 2018 massacre at Parkland's Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School now owns shooter Nikolas Cruz's name, and Cruz cannot give any interviews without his permission, under a settlement reached in a lawsuit. Under his recent settlement with Anthony Borges, Cruz must also turn over any money he might receive as a beneficiary of a relative's life insurance policy, participate in...

This is why people admire authoritarian leaders

Why do people welcome authoritarian and tyrannical leaders time and time again? Found in governments throughout history, it seems that certain personalities keep popping up in positions of power. By being charismatic and charming, but also calculating and cruel, dictators are often strikingly similar. But even with all their abusive and manipulative traits, people can easily worship and follow them willingly. It turns out that the admirers of dictators share common characteristics as well. Intrigued? Let's discover what they are in the following slides.

Italian PM accuses European leaders of acting like 'oligarchs'

Giorgia Meloni, who leads the hard-Right Brothers of Italy Party, said the deal, to divvy up the EU"s top jobs without her intervention was a betrayal of the will of the European people.

Keir Starmer accused of 'dog whistle racism' by Labour members

The Labour leader was criticised by would-be MPs after using Bangladesh as an example of where migrants could be returned to under the party's immigration plans.

Blocks of shabu fished out of Ilocos Sur waters

At least 18 blocks of what turned out to be shabu were found floating in the waters of Ilocos Sur. According to a 24 Oras report on Thursday, the police said the blocks were discovered inside a sack by a fisherman in the sea town of Caoayan. The sack had Chinese markings on it, and the police confirmed that the packages contained shabu. Following this, 18 more blocks of shabu were found in the sea in the town of Magsingal. The police are...

PAOCC raids Clark resort where escapees from Porac POGO believed to be hiding

Authorities raided five villas inside the Fontana Leisure Parks in Mabalacat, Pampanga on Thursday evening. The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) conducted the operation based on information that some of those who escaped from the raid in Lucky South 99 Corp. in Porac were hiding in the resort. According to a report in State of the Nation, one of the villas is being occupied by one of the “big bosses” of Zun Yuan Technology...

Nat Barr bluntly calls out Anthony Albanese's government

Nat Barr has bluntly called out the Anthony Albanese government over an issue that impacts millions of Australians - and it only seems to be getting worse.

Mayor Alice Guo is also Chinese woman Guo Hua Ping, NBI confirms

MANILA, Philippines — Bamban Mayor Alice Guo’s fingerprints matched with Chinese woman Guo Hua Ping, Senator Risa Hontiveros said on Thursday. In a statement, Hontiveros said the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has confirmed that Mayor Guo and Guo Hua Ping’s fingerprints have matched. “It means, they are the fingerprints of one and the same person. This confirms what I have suspected all along. Mayor Alice is a fake Filipino — or should I...