PRISTINA, Kosovo — Kosovo is conducting municipal elections on Sunday, with the left-wing governing party, Vetevendosje!, aiming to secure control of the capital’s city hall. This election unfolds against a backdrop of persistent political tensions and strained relations with Serbia. Approximately 2.1 million registered voters are casting ballots to elect mayors in 38 municipalities and around 1,000 local council members. Preliminary results are anticipated by midnight, though many races are expected to proceed to runoffs in about a month, mirroring previous elections. The most closely contested race is in Pristina, where Vetevendosje!’s candidate, former culture minister Hajrulla Çeku, is challenging incumbent Perparim Rama of the conservative Kosovo Democratic League. Vetevendosje! seeks to capitalize on its performance in February’s parliamentary election, where it secured 48 seats in the 120-member legislature, though it fell short of a governing majority. The elections in the Serb-majority north are particularly significant, with Srpska Lista, the dominant Serb party aligned with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, expected to retain control of its strongholds. The vote follows Kosovo’s Parliament resolving an eight-month political deadlock by electing its full leadership, including a representative from the ethnic Serb minority. Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti, Vetevendosje!’s leader, has been tasked with forming a new Cabinet within 15 days, a challenging endeavor as other major parties have yet to engage in coalition talks. Kurti faces mounting pressure to stabilize domestic politics, address economic challenges, and revive EU-mediated normalization talks with Serbia. Kosovo’s independence remains a contentious issue in the Balkans, with Serbia, backed by Russia and China, refusing to recognize it. The 1998–1999 war, which claimed approximately 11,400 lives, predominantly ethnic Albanians, ended after NATO’s intervention forced Serbian forces to withdraw. While most Western nations acknowledge Kosovo’s statehood, the region’s political landscape remains fraught with complexity.
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UN chief to attend Gaza peace summit in Egypt
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is set to participate in the Sharm el-Sheikh Summit for Peace in Egypt on Monday, as confirmed by the Office of the Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General on Saturday. The summit, hosted in the Red Sea resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh, aims to finalize an agreement to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Co-chaired by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and U.S. President Donald Trump, the event will convene leaders from over 20 nations to address the crisis in the Gaza Strip, promote peace and stability in the Middle East, and establish a new era of regional security. Guterres is expected to return to UN Headquarters in New York by Wednesday. The Egyptian Presidency highlighted the summit’s significance in fostering collaborative efforts to resolve the conflict and enhance regional stability.
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Cameroon heads to the polls as the world’s oldest president bids to extend his rule
Cameroon embarked on a pivotal electoral journey on Sunday as millions of citizens cast their votes in a presidential election that could extend President Paul Biya’s 43-year rule by another seven years. With over 8 million registered voters, including 34,000 overseas, the Central African nation witnessed polling across more than 31,000 stations. The election, which concluded at 6 p.m., is expected to announce results by October 26. Analysts anticipate a victory for Biya, who, at 92, is Africa’s oldest leader and has been in power since 1982. If re-elected, Biya would be 99 by the end of his term, raising questions about his health and governance, as he spends significant time in Europe, delegating daily affairs to party officials and family members. Biya’s campaign emphasized his commitment to addressing pressing national challenges, including economic instability and security crises. However, his prolonged tenure has drawn criticism, particularly from the country’s youthful population, which constitutes a majority. Biya faces nine opposition candidates, including former allies like Bello Bouba Maigari and Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who have strong support in the predominantly Muslim northern regions. Cameroon’s political landscape is further complicated by escalating security threats, including a secessionist conflict in the English-speaking west and Boko Haram insurgency in the north. With 43% of the population living in poverty, the election underscores the nation’s struggle for stability and progress.
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Schauffele wins in Japan, the country where his mother grew up and where he has many connections
YOKOHAMA, Japan — Xander Schauffele’s triumph at the Baycurrent Classic in Japan may not rank as his most prestigious win, but it undoubtedly stands as one of his most meaningful. The American golfer delivered a stellar performance on Sunday, carding a 7-under 64 to clinch the title at the Yokohama Country Club. His final score of 19-under 265 edged out compatriot Max Greyserman by a single stroke, marking a poignant victory in a country deeply connected to his family heritage. Schauffele’s mother grew up in Japan, and his maternal grandparents still reside there, adding a personal dimension to his success. Greyserman, who finished as the runner-up for the second consecutive year, closed with a 65, while Michael Thorbjornsen ended three strokes behind with a 64. Schauffele, a two-time major champion and Olympic gold medalist, has an impressive resume, but this win holds a special place in his career. The tournament saw low scoring due to favorable conditions, with Matt McCarty shooting an 11-under 60 and Takumi Kanaya finishing with a 9-under 62. McCarty narrowly missed a chance at a historic 58 after a bogey on his final hole. Schauffele’s victory not only highlights his skill but also underscores the emotional significance of competing in Japan, where his family roots run deep.
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Watch: Tennessee town comes together to confront tragedy
A small rural town in Tennessee has been thrust into mourning following a catastrophic explosion at a local explosives plant on Friday morning. Authorities have officially confirmed the tragic loss of 16 lives in the incident, which has left the community reeling. The explosion, which occurred without warning, has drawn widespread attention and prompted an outpouring of support from neighboring areas. Emergency response teams were swiftly deployed to the scene, working tirelessly to manage the aftermath and provide assistance to affected families. The incident has underscored the inherent risks associated with industrial facilities in rural regions. In the face of this tragedy, the tight-knit community has demonstrated remarkable resilience, coming together to offer comfort, aid, and solidarity. Local leaders have vowed to investigate the cause of the explosion thoroughly, while residents have organized vigils and fundraisers to honor the victims and support their families. This heartbreaking event serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the strength of communal bonds in times of crisis.
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Kuldeep Yadav’s 4 wickets put West Indies on the brink of follow-on in 2nd test
In a commanding display of spin bowling, Kuldeep Yadav claimed three crucial wickets during the morning session on day three of the second test between India and West Indies in New Delhi. The West Indies, struggling at 217-8 by lunch, faced the looming threat of following on. Yadav’s impressive figures of 4-72 in 22 overs underscored his pivotal role in India’s dominance. Khary Pierre and Anderson Phillip, both unbeaten on 19, provided some resistance, but the tourists remained in a precarious position. India, having amassed a formidable 518-5 in their first innings thanks to centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal (175) and Shubman Gill (129 not out), now led by 301 runs. The West Indies, resuming at 140-4, saw their hopes dwindle as Yadav dismissed Shai Hope (36) and Tevin Imlach (21) in quick succession. Justin Greaves (17) also fell victim to Yadav’s precision, while Mohammed Siraj accounted for Jomel Warrican (1). Despite a resilient 42-run partnership between Pierre and Phillip, the West Indies’ struggles continued, extending their winless streak against India to 26 tests since 2002. India, leading the two-match series 1-0 after a comprehensive victory in the first test, remained firmly in control.
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The mystery of the missing Paris catwalk necklace
A unique silver necklace featuring a taxidermy butterfly encased in a rock crystal dome, crafted by renowned jeweler Malcolm Morris, has become the focal point of an international search after vanishing from a Paris catwalk show three decades ago. The one-of-a-kind piece, created in 1994, was commissioned by art director Simon Costin for designer Alexander McQueen, who later headed Givenchy. Despite its anticipated debut, the necklace mysteriously disappeared and has not been seen since. Now, Sarah Burns-Collins, a longtime collaborator of Morris and owner of Gold Lark Jewellery, is spearheading efforts to uncover its whereabouts as part of a retrospective celebrating Morris’s 50-year career. Morris, now 67 and based in Shropshire, is celebrated for his work in stage and film, including creating tiaras for Gwyneth Paltrow in ‘Shakespeare in Love.’ The necklace, described as a ‘statement piece’ weighing like a mayoral chain, took three weeks and significant resources to create. Burns-Collins speculates it may still be in Paris, possibly in an antique shop or with a former model. The search continues as Morris and his team hope to solve this enduring mystery.
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Sarkozy prison date to be set. Here’s why the former French president will serve time despite appeal
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, 70, is set to begin his five-year prison sentence following a Paris court’s ruling on Monday. Sarkozy was convicted of criminal conspiracy for allegedly financing his 2007 presidential campaign with funds from Libya. Despite his claims of innocence and an ongoing appeal, the court ordered immediate incarceration, citing the severity of the offense and its impact on public order. Sarkozy, who served as president from 2007 to 2012, is the first former French leader in modern history to face actual prison time. The court granted him 18 days to organize his affairs before reporting to the National Financial Prosecutor’s office to finalize the incarceration date. Sarkozy’s supporters argue that his appeal should grant him the presumption of innocence under French law, but the ruling aligns with France’s judicial norms, where 90% of adults sentenced to at least two years are immediately imprisoned. The case revolves around allegations that Sarkozy, as a presidential candidate and interior minister, orchestrated corruption at the highest level, leveraging Libyan funds with the help of close associates. Sarkozy maintains the charges are part of a plot by the Gadhafi regime, retaliating for his role in the 2011 NATO intervention that led to Gadhafi’s downfall. For safety, Sarkozy is expected to be held in a high-security ‘VIP area’ of La Santé prison, where he will have access to basic amenities and can file a release request pending his appeal trial, likely scheduled for next spring.
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Chinese coast guard rams and damages a Philippine vessel off an island in the South China Sea
In a recent escalation of tensions in the disputed South China Sea, a Chinese coast guard vessel employed a high-pressure water cannon against a Philippine government ship anchored near Thitu Island, a territory occupied by the Philippines. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, resulted in minor structural damage to the Philippine vessel, BRP Datu Pagbuaya, though no injuries were reported among its crew. The Philippine coast guard condemned the act as a dangerous and provocative maneuver, emphasizing that such aggression would not deter their commitment to protecting national sovereignty.
The Chinese coast guard defended its actions, claiming that the Philippine vessels had illegally entered what it referred to as Chinese waters near Sandy Cay, a cluster of sandbars situated between Thitu Island and China’s artificial Subi Island base. According to Chinese authorities, the Philippine ships ignored repeated warnings, prompting the coast guard to take lawful measures to drive them away. Beijing reiterated its longstanding claim over virtually the entire South China Sea, despite a 2016 international arbitration ruling that invalidated such claims. The ruling, supported by the United States and its allies, has been consistently rejected by China.
The Philippine coast guard released video footage showing the Chinese vessel firing the water cannon at the BRP Datu Pagbuaya, striking both the ship and its flags. Commodore Jay Tarriela, a spokesperson for the Philippine coast guard, affirmed that such bullying tactics would not force Manila to relinquish any territory. Meanwhile, Chinese coast guard spokesperson Liu Dejun accused the Philippines of undermining regional peace and stability, placing full responsibility for the incident on the Philippine side.
Thitu Island, known as Pag-asa in the Philippines, is the largest of nine islands and reefs inhabited by Philippine forces in the Spratlys archipelago, a highly contested region of the South China Sea. China has transformed several barren reefs into militarized artificial islands, including Subi, which lies just over 20 kilometers from Thitu. The latest confrontation adds to the challenges faced by the Philippine government, which is also grappling with natural disasters, including recent earthquakes and typhoons that have devastated parts of the country.
Philippine coast guard commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan vowed that the harassment would only strengthen their resolve to protect Filipino fisherfolk and uphold national sovereignty. The incident underscores the ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea, involving multiple nations and raising concerns over regional stability.
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A man in Brazil turned his childhood dream into a small cinema for film lovers
SAO PAULO — For Carlos Costa, the magic of cinema began at the age of six when his grandmother took him to see the 1977 Brazilian comedy “O Trapalhão nas Minas do Rei Salomão.” That experience ignited a lifelong passion and a dream: to one day own a movie theater. Five decades later, Costa turned that dream into reality with the opening of Cine LT3, a 35-seat independent cinema in Sao Paulo.