Hollywood power couple Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban have reportedly parted ways after nearly 20 years together, according to a source close to the BBC. The duo, who tied the knot in June 2006, share two daughters: Sunday Rose, 17, and Faith Margaret, 14. TMZ initially broke the news, revealing that the pair had been living separately since the summer, with Kidman reportedly reluctant about the separation. The BBC’s source corroborated this information, though the exact reasons for their split remain undisclosed. Both Kidman, an Oscar-winning actress, and Urban, a four-time Grammy-winning country singer, have faced challenges and triumphs throughout their relationship. Urban’s battle with drug and alcohol addiction shortly after their wedding tested their bond, but the couple emerged stronger, with Kidman playing a pivotal role in his recovery. Over the years, they have been a constant support system for each other, frequently appearing together at high-profile events. Despite recent public appearances that suggested a harmonious relationship, including attending a FIFA Club World Cup match in June and Urban’s ACM Triple Crown Award ceremony in May, the couple has now decided to go their separate ways. Kidman was previously married to actor Tom Cruise, with whom she shares two children, before their divorce in 2001.
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Mumbai’s new airport faces traffic woes as it takes on Singapore and Dubai
The Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), a sprawling 1,100-hectare facility, is poised to transform India’s aviation landscape. Located 40 kilometers from Mumbai’s commercial center, the airport will feature four terminals and handle up to 90 million passengers annually upon full expansion. This development comes as a much-needed relief for Mumbai’s overburdened Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, which has reached its capacity of 55 million passengers per year. Arun Bansal, CEO of Adani Airport Holdings Limited, emphasized that NMIA will significantly ease congestion and meet the growing demand for air travel in India’s financial capital. The airport, connected to Mumbai by India’s longest sea bridge, will operate two parallel runways and is designed to be India’s first fully digital hub, leveraging advanced technology to streamline check-in, security, and boarding processes. However, challenges remain, including connectivity issues and regulatory hurdles that could impede its ambition to become a global aviation hub on par with Singapore or Dubai. Despite these obstacles, NMIA represents a critical step in India’s aviation ambitions, joining cities like New York and London in operating multiple airports.
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Missing Cheryl Grimmer: Family’s anger over police decision not to contact witnesses
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.