In a dramatic turnaround, South Africa secured a commanding six-wicket victory against New Zealand in the ICC Women’s World Cup held in Indore. This win marked a stark contrast to their crushing 10-wicket defeat by England just days earlier. South Africa, led by Tazmin Brits’ remarkable century, showcased resilience and skill to outclass their opponents. Brits, who scored 101 runs off 89 deliveries, played a pivotal role in the victory, supported by Sune Luus’ unbeaten 81. The Proteas chased down New Zealand’s total of 231 with ease, reaching the target in just 40.5 overs. New Zealand, despite a promising start, faltered in both batting and fielding, leading to their downfall. Sophie Devine’s 85 runs were the highlight for the Kiwis, but their inability to capitalize on key moments cost them dearly. This victory positions South Africa as strong contenders in the tournament, while New Zealand faces mounting pressure to secure a spot in the top four. The match also highlighted Brits’ exceptional form, as she became the first woman to score five ODI centuries in a calendar year. South Africa now looks ahead to their next challenge against India, while New Zealand prepares to face Bangladesh.
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Man killed in suspected bear attack in Arkansas
In a tragic and rare incident, a 60-year-old Missouri man camping in the Ozark National Forest in Arkansas was fatally attacked by a bear, according to local authorities. The victim, whose identity has not yet been released, was reported missing by his children after they lost contact with him during his trip to Sam’s Throne campground. Sheriff Glenn Wheeler confirmed that the man’s body was discovered several yards outside the campsite, bearing injuries consistent with a large carnivore attack. The suspected bear was captured and killed after being identified through camera footage at the campground. Local hunters, aided by hounds, tracked and treed the bear, which was later euthanized. The bear’s remains will undergo necropsy and DNA testing to confirm its involvement in the attack. Sheriff Wheeler expressed relief at the resolution, stating, ‘This was a dangerous bear.’ The campground remains closed indefinitely. The victim had previously sent his family photos of a bear near his campsite, which helped authorities identify the animal—a young male black bear matching the size and coloration of the photographed bear. Arkansas is home to over 5,000 black bears, the state’s only bear species. Fatal bear attacks are exceedingly rare in North America, with only 63 recorded deaths from black bear attacks between 1900 and 2009, according to the Journal of Wildlife Management.
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Venezuela denounces alleged ‘extremist’ plan to attack shuttered US Embassy complex
Venezuela has raised alarms over an alleged extremist plot to target the closed U.S. Embassy in Caracas with explosives, heightening already strained bilateral relations. Jorge Rodríguez, head of Venezuela’s National Assembly and the country’s dialogue delegation with the U.S., disclosed that Washington had been alerted through multiple channels about a “serious threat” posed by right-wing groups masquerading as supporters of President Nicolás Maduro. Rodríguez accused these factions of orchestrating a false-flag operation to plant explosives at the embassy, which has been shuttered since 2019 following the rupture of diplomatic ties between the two nations. Despite its closure, the embassy retains a skeleton staff responsible for security and maintenance. Rodríguez emphasized that Venezuela has bolstered security measures at the site and informed a European embassy to facilitate communication. The U.S. State Department has yet to comment on the allegations. The embassy compound, located in southeastern Caracas, remains under Venezuelan police patrol. The warning coincides with escalating tensions over the U.S. military presence in the Caribbean, which Washington claims is aimed at combating drug cartels. Maduro has condemned the deployment as a threat to Venezuela’s sovereignty, while the U.S. accuses him of involvement in drug trafficking. The situation underscores the deepening rift between the two nations, with no signs of reconciliation in sight.
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Lula asks Trump to lift 40% tariff on Brazilian imports
In a significant diplomatic exchange, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva engaged in a 30-minute phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday, urging the removal of the 40% tariff imposed on Brazilian imports by the U.S. government. The discussion, described as productive by both leaders, also touched on broader economic and trade relations between the two nations. According to a statement from Lula’s office, the Brazilian president reiterated his invitation for Trump to attend the upcoming climate summit in Belem, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation on environmental issues. Trump later took to Truth Social to express his satisfaction with the call, noting that the conversation was largely centered on economic and trade matters. He hinted at future discussions and potential meetings in both Brazil and the United States. The Trump administration had initially imposed the 40% tariff in July, citing Brazil’s policies and the criminal prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro as justification. Bolsonaro, who lost his reelection bid in 2022, was recently convicted of attempting a coup and sentenced to 27 years and three months in prison by Brazil’s Supreme Court. Lula also extended an offer to visit Washington to continue the dialogue initiated during their meeting at the United Nations General Assembly earlier this month.
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No 10 denies government involved in collapse of China spying case
The UK government has firmly rejected allegations of its involvement in the collapse of a high-profile prosecution against two men accused of espionage for China. Christopher Cash, a former parliamentary researcher, and Christopher Berry were charged under the Official Secrets Act in April 2024, accused of gathering and sharing state-sensitive information between December 2021 and February 2023. However, the charges were unexpectedly dropped in September, sparking criticism from ministers and MPs. Downing Street has denied claims that the government withheld evidence or influenced the decision, emphasizing that the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) acted independently. The CPS stated that the case could no longer proceed as the evidence no longer met the required legal threshold. The decision has raised concerns about national security, with MPs warning that it could leave Parliament vulnerable to espionage. Conservative MP Alicia Kearns, who previously employed Cash, described the collapse of the trial as ‘inexplicable’ and suggested that external factors may have influenced the CPS’s ability to prosecute. The case has also reignited debates over the UK’s relationship with China, particularly as the Labour government seeks to strengthen trade ties with Beijing. Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s visit to China in October 2024 highlighted this shift, as he emphasized the need for pragmatic solutions to complex challenges. Critics, however, argue that prioritizing economic relations with China could compromise national security.
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Skydiving instructor killed after falling without parachute in Nashville
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the tragic death of a skydiving instructor during a jump in Nashville, Tennessee. Justin Fuller, an experienced instructor, is believed to have fallen from the sky without a parachute after becoming separated from his student and the tandem rig, which connects the pair and includes the parachute. The incident occurred on Saturday near John C. Tune Airport. A police helicopter later discovered Fuller’s body in a wooded area. Meanwhile, the student, who survived the fall, was rescued by the Nashville Fire Department after being trapped in a tree for hours. Authorities confirmed that three other dives from the same plane were completed successfully, and the aircraft landed safely. The cause of the separation remains unclear. A witness involved in the rescue effort told local station WSMV that the student, a first-time skydiver, vowed never to jump again. Fuller, who had recently expressed his passion for teaching skydiving on Instagram, described the job as ‘the most rewarding’ and shared the joy of seeing students master the skill. However, he also acknowledged the challenges of guiding beginners in high-pressure situations.
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Exiled leader to return to Bangladesh for historic vote after uprising
In a landmark announcement, Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has declared his intention to return to Bangladesh after two decades abroad to contest the upcoming elections. Speaking in his first face-to-face interview in nearly 20 years with BBC Bangla, Rahman stated, ‘The time has come, God willing, I will return soon.’ The elections, scheduled for February, are widely regarded as one of the most consequential in Bangladesh’s history, following the mass protests in 2024 that ousted three-time Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Her Awami League party is unlikely to participate due to ongoing legal proceedings. Rahman, the son of ailing BNP leader Khaleda Zia, is expected to lead the country if the BNP secures victory. The 2024 unrest, which saw up to 1,400 deaths according to UN investigators, marked a turning point in Bangladeshi politics. Hasina, now in exile in India, faces trial in absentia for alleged crimes against humanity. Rahman, who was cleared of all charges after Hasina’s ousting, emphasized the importance of the upcoming elections, stating, ‘This is an election for which people had been waiting, I cannot keep myself away during this time.’ The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus, has banned the Awami League from political activities until the trial concludes. While the BNP has criticized the interim government for delays in announcing the election date, both share a common stance on the Awami League’s exclusion. Rahman also addressed concerns about the rise of Jamaat-e-Islami, the country’s largest Islamist party, which has gained momentum in recent student union elections. However, he remains confident in the BNP’s prospects, citing its historical resilience. The election is expected to focus on democratic reforms and freedom of speech, issues that were heavily suppressed under the Awami League. Rahman pledged to ensure such restrictions are not repeated if he assumes power. The interim government’s efforts to build consensus on reforms have been slow, but for many Bangladeshis, particularly the youth who led the 2024 uprising, ensuring basic freedoms will be a critical test for the next government.
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Ex-New York Times writer to lead CBS after Paramount deal
Paramount has announced the appointment of Bari Weiss, a former New York Times opinion writer, as the new head of CBS News. This move is part of a broader strategy by Paramount’s new owners to revitalize one of America’s most prominent news organizations. In addition to this leadership change, Paramount is acquiring The Free Press, a digital media outlet founded by Weiss after her contentious exit from the New York Times. The acquisition is reportedly valued at $150 million (£112 million). Weiss, known for her critiques of partisan broadcast media, expressed enthusiasm about shaping CBS News under the leadership of David Ellison, who took over the network earlier this year as part of a merger with Paramount. Ellison, the son of tech billionaire and Trump ally Larry Ellison, has faced scrutiny from the left for his political connections. Weiss, who began her career in Jewish news outlets, is recognized for her support of Israel and her opposition to ‘cancel culture.’ Since its inception in 2021, The Free Press has amassed 1.5 million subscribers, including over 170,000 paid users, and has gained attention for its critical reporting on mainstream media. Ellison emphasized that Weiss’s appointment aligns with his vision to modernize Paramount’s content and establish CBS as the ‘most-trusted name in news.’ He aims to produce balanced, fact-based coverage that appeals to a broad audience. The deal’s financial terms remain undisclosed, though reports suggest Paramount paid $150 million in stock and cash. Ellison, a renowned Hollywood producer, has pledged to reduce political bias in CBS’s programming, including unedited interviews on ‘Face the Nation.’ CBS News maintains a partnership with the BBC, ensuring editorial independence while sharing content. In her announcement, Weiss praised Ellison’s commitment to journalism and his vision for a unified media landscape.
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What makes this US shutdown different (and more difficult)
The United States finds itself in the throes of yet another government shutdown, a recurring feature of its political landscape. However, the 2025 shutdown stands out as particularly intractable, fueled by deep-seated animosity between Republicans and Democrats and a lack of willingness to compromise. With approximately 750,000 federal employees facing unpaid leave and essential services temporarily suspended, the impasse highlights the escalating political tensions in Washington. Unlike previous shutdowns, where late-night negotiations often paved the way for resolution, this episode is marked by a stark absence of collaboration and a surge in partisan rancor. The Democratic leadership, under pressure from its base, is leveraging the shutdown to challenge the Trump administration’s aggressive agenda, particularly its healthcare cuts and executive overreach. Meanwhile, President Trump and his allies view the shutdown as an opportunity to advance their long-standing goal of reducing the federal workforce. The White House has warned of mass layoffs to maintain critical services, a move described as ‘fiscal sanity’ by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. The economic ramifications are significant, with analysts predicting a 0.2 percentage point reduction in GDP growth for each week the shutdown persists. While the stock market remains largely unaffected, the broader impact on government operations, business activities, and public trust in political institutions could have lasting consequences. As both parties dig in, the path to resolution remains uncertain, leaving the nation in a state of prolonged uncertainty.
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Sudan militia leader convicted of war crimes during Darfur war
Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman, widely known as Ali Kushayb, has been found guilty of war crimes and crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court (ICC). The verdict marks a historic moment as Kushayb becomes the first individual to be tried by the ICC for atrocities committed in Darfur, Sudan, over two decades ago. Kushayb led the Janjaweed, a government-backed militia notorious for its brutal campaign in Darfur, which resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands and widespread devastation. The conflict, which spanned from 2003 to 2020, is regarded as one of the most severe humanitarian crises in recent history. During the trial, survivors recounted harrowing experiences of village burnings, mass executions, sexual violence, and torture, all orchestrated under Kushayb’s leadership. The ICC judges convicted him on 27 counts, focusing on attacks carried out between 2003 and 2004. Despite Kushayb’s defense of mistaken identity, the court found overwhelming evidence of his pivotal role in the atrocities. The verdict has brought a sense of justice to Darfuris, many of whom waited outside the court in The Hague, Netherlands, to witness the ruling. However, the legacy of the Janjaweed persists, as many of its members have transitioned into the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group now embroiled in Sudan’s ongoing civil war. The RSF has been accused by the UK, US, and human rights organizations of continuing ethnic cleansing against non-Arab communities in Darfur. Kushayb’s sentencing will be determined at a later date, but his conviction underscores the ICC’s commitment to holding perpetrators of grave crimes accountable.