The family of Cheryl Grimmer, a three-year-old girl who vanished from Fairy Meadow beach in New South Wales, Australia, in January 1970, has expressed frustration over the police’s handling of the case. Despite a four-year review, no new evidence has emerged, and three potential eyewitnesses who came forward after a BBC podcast were not formally interviewed. Cheryl’s brother, Ricki Nash, described the situation as ‘total frustration,’ emphasizing that the family cannot move forward without police assistance. The podcast, which has been downloaded five million times, prompted witnesses to share their accounts, including one man who claimed to have seen a teenage boy carrying a child from the beach changing rooms on the day of Cheryl’s disappearance. Retired detective Damian Loone criticized the police for not pursuing these leads, calling it ‘sloppy police work.’ In 2016, a man was charged with Cheryl’s abduction and murder based on a 1971 confession, but the charges were dropped in 2019 after the confession was deemed inadmissible. The family has launched a petition for an inquiry into missing persons investigations, which garnered over 10,000 signatures but has yet to result in action. NSW Police stated that all information received was assessed, but not all leads warranted formal interviews. The case remains unresolved, leaving Cheryl’s family desperate for answers.
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Irish presidential hopefuls go head to head in first TV debate
The first televised debate of the Irish presidential election campaign saw candidates Catherine Connolly, Jim Gavin, and Heather Humphreys engage in heated discussions on pressing national and international issues. Held on Virgin Media One’s ‘The Tonight Show,’ the debate covered topics ranging from the use of the Irish tricolour by anti-immigration groups to the conflict in Gaza and the vision for a united Ireland.
Independent TD Catherine Connolly, supported by left-wing parties including Sinn Féin, emphasized her commitment to fostering unity across communities. She expressed hope for a united Ireland during her potential presidency and condemned the rhetoric of anti-immigration campaigners as ‘abhorrent.’ Former Fine Gael Minister Heather Humphreys, a ‘proud Ulsterwoman,’ advocated for cross-border cooperation to achieve unity, while Jim Gavin, the Fianna Fáil candidate and former Dublin GAA manager, highlighted his republican values and praised the Good Friday Agreement.
On immigration, all candidates defended the Irish flag as a symbol of unity, with Gavin expressing pride in the tricolour and Humphreys stressing the president’s role in dispelling myths. Connolly pledged to use her voice to bridge divides, particularly in Northern Ireland.
The candidates also addressed the Gaza conflict, with Connolly calling for peace and expressing concerns about humanitarian consequences. Gavin accused the Israeli government of daily war crimes, while Humphreys supported legislation to ban goods from occupied territories, despite potential risks to international investment.
Regarding their presidential salaries, Connolly promised to donate a ‘substantial’ portion to projects, and Humphreys committed to returning her ministerial pension. The debate concluded with each candidate vowing to represent all sections of society and work toward a united republic.
The Irish presidential election, using the Single Transferable Vote system, will take place on October 25, with the winner serving a seven-year term until 2032.
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Nigeria banned shea butter exports to help women profit. But it backfired
In the heart of Nigeria’s shea butter industry, women like Hajaratu Isah are grappling with the harsh realities of a sudden government policy shift. The Nigerian government’s six-month ban on the export of raw shea nuts, announced in late August, has sent shockwaves through the industry, leaving thousands of women struggling to make ends meet.
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YouTube to pay $24.5m to settle Trump lawsuit over Capitol riot
YouTube, the video-sharing giant owned by Alphabet, has agreed to pay $24.5 million to settle a lawsuit filed by former U.S. President Donald Trump. The lawsuit stemmed from the platform’s decision to suspend Trump’s account in the aftermath of the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. This settlement marks the latest in a series of payouts by major tech companies, including Meta (Facebook) and X (formerly Twitter), which also faced legal action from Trump over account suspensions. Trump had accused these platforms of political bias, alleging unfair censorship of conservative voices. As part of the agreement, YouTube will allocate $22 million to the Trust for the National Mall, a non-profit organization raising funds for a new White House ballroom, while $2.5 million will be distributed to other plaintiffs, including the American Conservative Union. The settlements reflect a broader shift in Silicon Valley’s approach to Trump, with tech leaders adopting a more conciliatory stance. YouTube also announced plans to reinstate accounts previously banned for spreading misinformation about COVID-19 and the 2020 election, emphasizing its commitment to conservative voices and civic discourse.
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Trump and Democrats end meeting without a deal as US shutdown looms
The United States is on the brink of a government shutdown as bipartisan negotiations have reached a stalemate, with neither Republicans nor Democrats showing willingness to compromise. A recent meeting between President Donald Trump and Democratic congressional leaders yielded no progress, further entrenching both sides in their positions. Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune accused Democrats of ‘hostage-taking,’ while Democratic Senate Leader Chuck Schumer emphasized the ‘very large differences’ between the parties. Republicans advocate for a short-term extension of current spending levels, while Democrats demand an end to unilateral spending cuts by the Trump administration and a renewal of health-insurance subsidies for low-income individuals. The impasse reflects deeper political strategies, with Republicans positioning themselves as the reasonable party and Democrats leveraging healthcare as a key issue. Complicating matters, some Republicans appear unfazed by the prospect of a prolonged shutdown, viewing it as an opportunity to implement long-term spending reductions. Democratic leaders, however, see this as a bluff and remain steadfast under pressure from their base. The looming shutdown is a test of political will, with both sides weighing the potential fallout. The last major shutdown during Trump’s first term lasted 35 days, setting a record and causing widespread disruption. As tensions escalate, the outcome remains uncertain, with both parties seemingly prepared for a protracted battle.
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File sent to prosecutors over Creeslough explosion
A significant development has emerged in the investigation of the tragic Creeslough explosion that claimed ten lives on October 7, 2022. Irish police, known as Gardaí, have forwarded a primary investigation file to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the Republic of Ireland. The explosion occurred at the Applegreen service station in the small village of Creeslough, County Donegal, and remains one of the most devastating incidents in recent Irish history. The victims included five-year-old Shauna Flanagan-Garwe, her father Robert Garwe, 50, 14-year-old Leona Harper, and seven others from the local community. To date, seven arrests have been made, but no charges have been filed. The investigation, led by officers in County Donegal, continues to seek answers, with authorities urging anyone who was at the service station prior to the explosion to come forward. As the third anniversary of the tragedy approaches, Gardaí expressed their ongoing support for the victims’ families and the Creeslough community. The lack of an official explanation for the blast has left many families frustrated, with some relatives opposing plans to rebuild a petrol station at the site. The case remains a poignant reminder of the need for justice and closure for those affected.
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What we know about Michigan church shooting and arson attack
A tragic and violent incident unfolded at a Mormon church in Grand Blanc, Michigan, during a Sunday service, leaving four people dead and eight others injured, one critically. The suspect, identified as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford from Burton, Michigan, reportedly used gasoline or an accelerant to set the church on fire after opening fire on congregants. Sanford, a former Marine who had been deployed to Iraq, was killed in a shootout with police less than 10 minutes after the attack began. Officials described the incident as a ‘targeted act of violence’ but have yet to determine a motive. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer urged the public to avoid speculation, emphasizing the importance of allowing investigators to conduct their work. The attack occurred around 10:30 AM EST when Sanford crashed his vehicle into the church building before shooting at attendees and setting the structure ablaze. Investigators found makeshift explosive devices at the scene, adding to the complexity of the case. Over 100 victims and witnesses have been interviewed as part of the ongoing investigation. While Sanford’s motives remain unclear, his social media activity and previous arrests for burglary and drunk driving have drawn attention. The incident has reignited discussions about gun violence in the United States, particularly in Michigan, where such tragedies have become increasingly frequent.
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Madagascar’s president dissolves government after ‘Gen Z’ protests
Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina announced the dissolution of his government on Monday, following days of intense youth-led protests over persistent water and power shortages. The demonstrations, which began on Thursday in the capital Antananarivo, quickly spread to eight cities across the country, with thousands of predominantly Gen Z protesters rallying under the slogan, ‘We want to live, not survive.’
In a televised national address, Rajoelina acknowledged the government’s shortcomings, stating, ‘We apologize if members of the government have not carried out the tasks assigned to them.’ He revealed that the prime minister and the entire cabinet had been dismissed, and applications for a new premier would be accepted within three days. Rajoelina also expressed his willingness to engage in dialogue with young people to address their grievances.
The protests, initially peaceful, turned violent, prompting the imposition of a dusk-to-dawn curfew in Antananarivo. Security forces were accused of using excessive force, resulting in at least 22 deaths and over 100 injuries. UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk condemned the ‘unnecessary and disproportionate force’ and called for the immediate release of arbitrarily detained protesters. However, Madagascar’s foreign ministry disputed the UN’s casualty figures, claiming they were based on ‘rumours or misinformation.’
The unrest marks the most significant challenge to Rajoelina’s leadership since his re-election in 2023. Madagascar has a history of political upheaval, including the 2009 protests that ousted former President Marc Ravalomanana and brought Rajoelina to power. The current crisis underscores deep-seated frustrations over the government’s inability to address basic infrastructure issues, fueling widespread discontent among the nation’s youth.
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Minnesota man pleads guilty to attempting to join Islamic State group
A 23-year-old Minnesota man, Abdisatar Ahmed Hassan, pleaded guilty on Monday to charges of attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, the Islamic State group. The plea was entered before U.S. District Judge Donovan Frank in St. Paul. Hassan, a naturalized U.S. citizen, had previously expressed admiration on social media for the perpetrator of a deadly truck attack on Bourken Street in New Orleans, which resulted in 14 fatalities. The attacker, who was subsequently killed by police, had displayed the Islamic State group’s flag on his vehicle. Prosecutors revealed that Hassan made two unsuccessful attempts in December to travel from Minnesota to Somalia to join the Islamic State group and fight on its behalf. The FBI, having been alerted to a social media user expressing support for both the Islamic State group and the Somali militant group al-Shabab, conducted surveillance on Hassan during these attempts. The first attempt was thwarted when the airline denied him boarding due to insufficient travel documents, and he missed the second flight while being questioned by federal officers. Hassan was not detained until his arrest in February. The FBI also observed Hassan driving with the Islamic State group’s flag the day before his arrest. Acting U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson emphasized the zero-tolerance approach to terrorism, stating, ‘There is no margin for error when it comes to terrorism. Hassan flew the ISIS flag, venerated attacks on the homeland, and wanted to kill Americans. We are not taking chances. We will not let Minnesota become a safe haven for terrorists.’ Hassan remains in custody, and a sentencing date has yet to be set. Under a plea agreement, the government has agreed not to seek a sentence longer than 17 years, while the defense is free to recommend any sentence. The final decision rests with the judge. This case is part of a broader pattern, with several Minnesotans having been suspected of attempting to join the Islamic State group in recent years. In 2016, nine Minnesotans were sentenced for conspiring to join the group, and one individual who fought for the group in Iraq was sentenced last year to 10 years in prison.
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Afghanistan telecom blackout as Taliban shuts off internet
The Taliban regime in Afghanistan has implemented a sweeping nationwide shutdown of telecommunications, plunging the country into a total internet blackout. This drastic measure follows weeks of the group severing fiber-optic internet connections, citing concerns over ‘immorality.’ According to internet watchdog Netblocks, the blackout has disrupted mobile phone services, satellite TV, and mobile internet across the country. The international news agency AFP reported losing contact with its Kabul office, while residents in the capital confirmed the abrupt halt of fiber-optic internet services around 17:00 local time (12:30 GMT). The impact is expected to be felt more acutely on Tuesday morning, when banking and business operations resume. Fiber-optic cables, which enable high-speed data transfer, are a critical component of global internet infrastructure. Netblocks, in a post on Mastodon.social, described the blackout as a stepwise disconnection of multiple networks, with telephone services also affected. The Taliban had previously hinted at creating an alternative internet route but provided no specifics. Business leaders have warned of severe economic repercussions if the ban persists. Hamid Haidari, former editor-in-chief of Afghan news channel 1TV, lamented the isolation, stating that Afghanistan has now surpassed North Korea in internet disconnection. This blackout is the latest in a series of restrictive measures imposed by the Taliban since their return to power in 2021, including banning books by women from university curricula, outlawing human rights education, and restricting women’s access to education beyond the age of 12. The Taliban’s hardline interpretation of Islamic Sharia law continues to reshape Afghan society, with women and girls bearing the brunt of these policies.