Monaghan County Council has issued urgent warnings to motorists as parts of Monaghan town experience severe flooding due to Storm Amy. The storm has wreaked havoc across the Republic of Ireland, leaving nearly 200,000 homes without electricity. Gale-force winds have triggered localized flooding, downed trees, disrupted transport, and forced school closures in several areas. County Donegal faced the brunt of the storm, with a red weather warning in effect from 16:00 until 18:00, later downgraded to an orange alert until 22:00. A man in Letterkenny sustained serious injuries in a weather-related incident, prompting immediate response from gardaí and emergency services. The Electricity Supply Board (ESB) is working tirelessly to restore power to 184,000 affected homes, farms, and businesses, primarily in Donegal, Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Roscommon, Leitrim, and Cavan. However, further outages are anticipated. Dublin Airport has canceled 58 flights and diverted nine inbound flights due to the storm. Counties Donegal, Clare, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Roscommon, and Sligo remain under an orange wind warning until 22:00, while a yellow wind warning covers the entire Republic until midnight on Saturday. A red marine warning has also been issued for violent storm force 11 winds along the west coast. The storm’s impact extends to Northern Ireland and Scotland, causing widespread flight and train cancellations, as well as road closures.
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Four killed in latest US strike on alleged drug vessel near Venezuela
In a recent escalation of its anti-narcotics operations, US forces carried out a deadly strike on a boat off the coast of Venezuela, killing four individuals allegedly involved in drug trafficking. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the attack, stating that the vessel was transporting substantial quantities of narcotics destined for the United States. The strike occurred in international waters within the US Southern Command’s jurisdiction, which spans much of South America and the Caribbean. Hegseth emphasized that the operation was based on confirmed intelligence, labeling those onboard as ‘narco-terrorists’ operating on a known drug trafficking route. This marks the fourth such strike by the US in a month, following previous attacks in the southern Caribbean that resulted in multiple fatalities. US President Donald Trump also commented on the incident via his Truth Social platform, claiming the boat carried enough drugs to ‘kill 25 to 50 thousand people.’ However, the US has yet to provide evidence supporting its claims or disclose the identities of those killed. Venezuela, which has previously condemned such strikes, has not issued an immediate response. President Nicolás Maduro has characterized these actions as US ‘aggression’ and vowed to defend his country. The US government’s recent classification of its operations as a ‘non-international armed conflict’ with drug cartels signals a potential expansion of military action, raising concerns about the legality and implications of such measures. Critics argue that this framing could grant the administration wartime powers, including the ability to detain individuals indefinitely or target ‘enemy fighters’ without immediate threat. Trump has not clarified why drug trafficking is being treated as an ‘armed attack’ or identified specific cartels allegedly targeting the US. This approach mirrors tactics used against al-Qaeda post-9/11 and has drawn criticism from international legal experts who question the strikes’ compliance with international law.
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They fled to south Gaza as ordered. Then Israel killed them
In the midst of escalating violence in Gaza, Palestinian cameraman Sami Dawoud sought refuge in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza, after fleeing intensified Israeli bombing in Gaza City. Despite relocating to an area deemed safer, Dawoud and his family faced tragedy when an Israeli air strike hit their tent, killing him and his daughter. Dawoud, described by friends as deeply protective of his family, had been displaced multiple times since the onset of Israel’s military operations in October 2023. His friend and colleague, photographer Yahya Barzaq, recounted Dawoud’s unwavering commitment to his family’s safety, even as they moved from one precarious shelter to another. Barzaq himself met a similar fate, killed in an air strike just days after speaking to Middle East Eye about Dawoud’s death. The strikes have claimed the lives of 1,903 Palestinians in central and southern Gaza since mid-August, according to the Gaza-based Government Media Office. Both Dawoud and Barzaq were respected members of Gaza’s journalist community, their deaths highlighting the peril faced by civilians and media professionals in the conflict. Barzaq, known for his work as a newborn photographer, had documented the lives of children later killed in the war, expressing his anguish over the suffering of Gaza’s youngest residents. The ongoing violence has left countless families displaced and vulnerable, with no safe haven from the relentless bombardment.
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A court in Tunisia sentenced a man to death for Facebook posts seen as insulting to the president
In a groundbreaking and controversial decision, a Tunisian court has handed down a death sentence to a 51-year-old man for Facebook posts deemed offensive to President Kais Saied and a threat to national security. Saber Chouchen, a father of three and occasional day laborer, was convicted on charges of attempting to overthrow the state, insulting the president, and disseminating false information online. The court ruled that his posts incited violence and chaos, violating Tunisia’s penal code and the contentious 2022 cybercrime law, Decree 54. This marks the first death sentence of its kind in Tunisia, where dozens have faced severe prison terms under similar charges since Saied consolidated power in July 2021. Although Tunisia retains capital punishment in its legal framework, no executions have been carried out since 1991. Chouchen’s lawyer, Oussama Bouthelja, described his client as socially vulnerable and of limited education, emphasizing that his posts were largely copied from other sources and intended to highlight his dire living conditions rather than incite unrest. The ruling has drawn sharp criticism from journalists and human rights groups, who view Decree 54 as a tool to suppress free expression. Tunisia, once celebrated as a democratic beacon following the 2011 Arab Spring, has seen a significant erosion of political freedoms under Saied’s authoritarian rule. Rights advocates warn that this case sets a dangerous precedent for the use of the death penalty in cases involving online speech.
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Conservative church group condemns choice of female Archbishop of Canterbury
In a historic move, Dame Sarah Mullally has been appointed as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury, marking a significant milestone for the Church of England and the global Anglican Communion. Her appointment, announced on Friday, has sparked both celebration and controversy within the religious community. In her inaugural address, Dame Sarah emphasized unity, quoting, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone – if you want to go far, go together.’ However, her selection has deepened existing divisions, particularly among conservative factions. The Global Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans (Gafcon), a network of conservative churches primarily in Africa and Asia, expressed ‘sorrow’ over the decision, citing theological objections to female leadership and same-sex blessings. Conversely, the Church of Southern Africa hailed the appointment as ‘historic,’ reflecting a broader liberal shift within the Church of England. The Anglican Communion has long been divided over issues such as the ordination of women bishops and the acceptance of same-sex relationships, with conservative leaders like Archbishop Laurent Mbanda of Rwanda arguing that ‘the majority of the Anglican Communion still believes in a male-only episcopacy.’ Despite these tensions, progressive voices, including Bishop Emily Onyango of Kenya, have welcomed Dame Sarah’s leadership, describing it as ‘a new dawn’ for the Church. As the first woman to hold this prestigious role, Dame Sarah faces the dual challenge of fostering unity and addressing pressing social issues, particularly in Africa, where women and children continue to suffer. Her leadership will undoubtedly shape the future of the Anglican Communion, as it navigates its complex and evolving identity.
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‘No good outcome’ – voters across US share concerns about shutdown
The ongoing US government shutdown has ignited a fierce blame game between Democrats and Republicans, leaving thousands of federal workers on unpaid leave and critical services in limbo. With no resolution in sight, both parties are locked in a stalemate over key issues, including healthcare subsidies and government spending. Democrats are refusing to support the Republican-backed spending plan unless expiring healthcare subsidies, which they argue are vital for working families, are renewed. Conversely, Republicans are pushing for a short-term funding bill before addressing the subsidies, further deepening the impasse.
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Yuan lies in wait as Trump pushes buck to the brink
TOKYO — The past year has painted a paradoxical picture for the US dollar, leaving analysts divided on its trajectory. On one hand, the dollar remains a dominant force in global currency markets, with the latest data from the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) revealing its involvement in 89% of all foreign exchange transactions. This statistic underscores the dollar’s entrenched position as the world’s primary reserve currency, seemingly immune to challenges. On the other hand, the Chinese yuan’s growing influence, now accounting for 8.5% of global transactions, has sparked concerns about the dollar’s long-term supremacy. This rise in the yuan’s share is seen by some as a potential threat to Washington’s financial dominance. The situation is further complicated by the global foreign exchange market’s apparent indifference to the United States’ deteriorating economic fundamentals. Despite mounting debt, inflationary pressures, and political instability, traders continue to favor the dollar, highlighting its unique role in the global financial system. As the yuan gains traction, the question remains: Is the dollar’s hegemony unassailable, or is it on the brink of a gradual decline?
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Trump gives Hamas Sunday deadline to accept Gaza peace plan
In a bold move to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza, former US President Donald Trump has presented a 20-point peace plan, setting a strict deadline for Hamas to accept the proposal. Trump, via his Truth Social platform, declared that an agreement must be finalized by 18:00 Washington time (22:00 GMT) on Sunday, warning of severe consequences if Hamas fails to comply. The plan outlines an immediate cessation of hostilities and the release of 20 living Israeli hostages, along with the remains of those believed deceased, within 72 hours. In return, hundreds of detained Gazans would be freed. Arab and Turkish mediators are reportedly urging Hamas to consider the proposal positively. However, a senior Hamas official has indicated that the group is likely to reject the plan. Trump emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, ‘If this LAST CHANCE agreement is not reached, all HELL, like no one has ever seen before, will break out against Hamas. THERE WILL BE PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST ONE WAY OR THE OTHER.’ Mediators have engaged with Hamas’s military wing leader in Gaza, who has expressed disagreement with the US ceasefire proposal. While some political leaders of Hamas in Qatar are open to accepting the plan with modifications, their influence is limited as they do not control the hostages. A significant obstacle for Hamas is the requirement to release all hostages within the first 72 hours of the ceasefire, effectively relinquishing their primary bargaining leverage. It is estimated that 48 hostages are still held by Hamas in Gaza, with only 20 believed to be alive. The 20-point plan, jointly announced by Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, also stipulates that Hamas will have no role in governing Gaza and leaves the possibility open for a future Palestinian state. However, Netanyahu has reiterated his opposition to a Palestinian state, stating, ‘It’s not written in the agreement. We said we would strongly oppose a Palestinian state.’ Trump has assured that Israel would have US support to ‘finish the job of destroying the threat of Hamas’ if the group rejects the plan. Netanyahu has echoed this sentiment, vowing that Israel ‘will finish the job’ if Hamas does not comply. The conflict escalated following a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken. Since then, Israeli attacks in Gaza have reportedly killed at least 66,288 people, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
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Massive fire at Chevron refinery in California contained, officials say
A significant fire erupted at Chevron’s El Segundo refinery near Los Angeles, California, on Thursday night, turning the skies orange and prompting concerns among local residents. The blaze, which occurred at a jet fuel production unit, was reported around 21:30 local time (04:30 GMT). Despite the dramatic visuals, city officials confirmed there is no immediate public threat, and no evacuation orders have been issued. Chevron described the incident as an “isolated fire” and assured that all personnel and contractors were accounted for, with no injuries reported. The cause of the explosion remains under investigation. The refinery, located near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), supplies jet fuel for airport operations, but Mayor Karen Bass confirmed no disruptions to flights. Built in 1911, the El Segundo refinery is Chevron’s second-largest in the U.S., producing 285,000 barrels of crude oil daily and supplying a significant portion of motor vehicle and jet fuel in Southern California. El Segundo Mayor Chris Pimentel praised the swift response of firefighters, who were stationed just a quarter-mile from the refinery. Residents reported feeling a powerful blast, with some mistaking it for a nuclear explosion or plane crash. Officials are monitoring air quality for potential pollution, while the extent of damage to the refinery remains unclear.
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Kenyans prove paternity case against UK soldiers
In a groundbreaking legal decision, seven individuals from Kenya have successfully proven their paternity in a UK Family Court, establishing that their fathers were British men stationed at an army base in Kenya. This marks the first instance in UK legal history where paternity was confirmed through commercially available DNA databases. Six of the fathers had served at the British Army Training Unit in Kenya (Batuk), while one was a contractor. The ruling paves the way for the claimants to pursue British citizenship, offering them a long-awaited resolution to their identity struggles. The case was spearheaded by British lawyer James Netto and geneticist Denise Syndercombe Court, who collaborated on a project to collect DNA samples and testimonies from residents in Kenya’s Nanyuki region, near Batuk. Many individuals in the area had long suspected their fathers were British servicemen, but lacked concrete evidence. The project utilized public DNA databases to connect claimants with their UK-based relatives. Among the claimants is Peter Wambugu, a 33-year-old chef, who shared his emotional journey with the BBC. Peter grew up knowing his father was a British soldier but never met him. He endured childhood bullying due to his mixed-race heritage and carried the pain of abandonment for decades. After reuniting with his father, Peter expressed profound relief, stating that the pain of discrimination had transformed into joy. Another claimant, who remains anonymous for legal reasons, recounted meeting her father only once at age four and growing up feeling deeply abandoned. James Netto hailed the ruling as the culmination of an arduous journey for many families, emphasizing that it provides answers to long-standing questions. He noted that numerous others near Batuk face similar challenges, particularly those with limited information about their fathers. Andrew Macleod, a lawyer involved in the DNA project, hopes the case will prompt the UK Ministry of Defence to address paternity claims more proactively. The Ministry stated that while such claims are considered private matters, it cooperates with local child support authorities when necessary. This case is part of a broader investigation by the BBC, featured in an upcoming five-part podcast series, ‘World of Secrets,’ which explores the complexities of identity and paternity in Kenya.