A catastrophic 6.9 magnitude earthquake rocked the central Philippines on Tuesday night, claiming at least 69 lives and injuring dozens more. The province of Cebu bore the brunt of the destruction, prompting local authorities to declare a state of calamity early Wednesday. Thousands of residents spent the night outdoors, enduring repeated aftershocks and widespread power and water outages. One Cebu resident described the harrowing scene, with the cries of traumatized children echoing through the streets. This disaster follows closely on the heels of back-to-back typhoons that struck the region just over a week ago, leaving more than a dozen dead. Bogo City, located near the earthquake’s epicenter, suffered the most casualties. Images from the area show cadaver bags lining the streets and makeshift tent hospitals treating hundreds of injured. Local officials have reported extensive damage, including buckled roads, collapsed bridges, and downed power lines, severely hampering rescue efforts. Among the victims were seven individuals from a village built for survivors of Typhoon Haiyan, which devastated the region 12 years ago. In San Remigio, a basketball game was interrupted by the quake, sending nearly 20 people to the hospital, with one fatality. Emergency services are prioritizing search and rescue operations, restoring electricity, and delivering aid. A 4.7 magnitude aftershock struck Bogo on Wednesday evening, causing tremors in Cebu City and neighboring Leyte islands but no additional casualties. The Archbishop of Cebu has advised devotees to avoid churches until structural assessments are completed, highlighting the region’s rich historical heritage. The Philippines, situated on the geologically volatile ‘Ring of Fire,’ is highly susceptible to natural disasters. The national disaster agency in Manila is tasked with releasing official casualty figures, though the process is often slow due to rigorous verification. The death toll is expected to rise as rescue operations continue.
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South African firebrand MP Malema convicted of firing a gun in public
Julius Malema, the leader of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has been convicted of discharging a firearm in public, an offense that could result in a maximum prison sentence of 15 years. The incident dates back to 2018, when a video surfaced showing Malema firing multiple shots into the air during his party’s fifth-anniversary celebrations in the Eastern Cape province. Malema was charged alongside his former bodyguard, Adriaan Snyman, who was later acquitted. This conviction adds to Malema’s recent legal troubles, as he was found guilty of hate speech less than two months ago. Malema, a polarizing figure in South African politics, has frequently criticized the white minority and advocated for the redistribution of wealth and land to the black majority. The firearm case, which involved charges of unlawful possession, reckless endangerment, and discharging a weapon in public, saw Malema claiming in court that the firearm was not his and that the shots were fired to energize the crowd. Magistrate Twanet Olivier delivered the guilty verdict after three days of proceedings, with sentencing postponed to January 2026. The prosecution was initiated by AfriForum, an Afrikaner lobby group with a contentious relationship with Malema and the EFF. This group also played a role in Malema’s hate speech conviction earlier this year, where the equality court ruled that his inflammatory remarks demonstrated an intent to incite harm. Malema’s legal battles highlight the ongoing racial tensions in South Africa, three decades after the end of apartheid.
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Oktoberfest opening delayed in Munich after fatal fire and bomb threat
Authorities in Munich, Germany, have postponed the opening of the iconic Oktoberfest venue following a tragic incident involving an explosion and fire in the northern district of Lerchenau. The incident, which occurred near a residential property, resulted in one fatality and prompted a large-scale emergency response. Mayor Dieter Reiter announced that the Theresienwiese festival grounds would remain closed until at least 17:00 local time on Wednesday due to a bomb threat linked to the ongoing investigation. Police revealed that the fire at a single-family home was likely intentionally set amid a family dispute. Booby traps were discovered at the scene, necessitating the intervention of special forces to neutralize the threat. While one individual was found deceased, another remains missing but is not considered a danger. The incident has raised concerns about potential connections to other locations, including the Oktoberfest site, which has already drawn over 3.5 million visitors since its commencement on September 20. Emergency personnel continue to work diligently at the scene as investigations unfold.
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Brown bear heavyweight Chunk wins Fat Bear Week despite injury
In a remarkable display of resilience, a 500kg brown bear named Chunk has emerged victorious in Fat Bear Week 2025, overcoming a broken jaw to claim the title. The annual competition, held at Alaska’s Katmai National Park and Preserve, invites voters from around the world to select the bear that best embodies ‘fatness and success’ as they prepare for winter hibernation. Chunk’s triumph was celebrated by park rangers and fans alike, who were inspired by his ability to adapt and thrive despite his injury. Park ranger Naomi Boak remarked, ‘He reminded us how resilient bears are and how they have the ability to recover from injury and hardship.’ Chunk’s journey to victory was closely followed by voters from over 100 countries, who watched live web streams of the bears at Katmai’s Brooks River. One voter, Amy Hall, shared her admiration for Chunk on an explore.org livestream, calling him an ‘inspiration’ for his ability to heal and adapt. Chunk’s profile on the Fat Bear Week website revealed that he sustained the injury during mating season, likely from a fight with another bear. Despite this setback, he managed to outpace his rival, a massive bear known as 856, by over 30,000 votes. The competition, which began as a small event in 2014, has since grown into a global phenomenon, drawing attention to the lives and challenges of these majestic creatures.
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Deported from the US to Ghana then ‘dumped’ at the border: Nigerian man speaks out
A Nigerian man, deported from the United States to Ghana, has revealed to the BBC that he and five other deportees are now stranded in a hotel in Togo after being secretly transferred across the border by Ghanaian officials. The man, who requested anonymity for safety reasons, claimed they were promised better living conditions but were instead abandoned in Togo without proper documentation or support. The group, consisting of three Nigerians, a Liberian, and others, had initially been held in a military camp in Ghana under deplorable conditions. They were later told they would be moved to a hotel for improved comfort but were instead taken through a back route into Togo, allegedly after bribing local police. Togolese authorities have yet to comment on the matter. The Nigerian deportee expressed concerns about his family in the US, including financial struggles and the inability to see his children. He also revealed his affiliation with the Yoruba Self-Determination Movement, a group advocating for a breakaway state in Nigeria, which he fears could lead to his arrest and torture if he returns to his home country. The US government has not provided a reason for his deportation, which was carried out under a controversial ‘third-country deportation’ policy. Lawyers for the deportees have initiated legal action against both the US and Ghanaian governments, alleging violations of their rights. Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, previously stated that the country accepted the deportees out of ‘pan-African empathy,’ but opposition MPs have called for the suspension of the deportation agreement until it is ratified by parliament.
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Rescuers race to find survivors after Indonesia school collapse traps dozens
In a tragic incident in East Java, Indonesia, rescuers are in a desperate race to locate 38 individuals believed to be trapped under the rubble of the Al-Khoziny Islamic Boarding School, which collapsed on Monday. The disaster has already claimed the lives of three students, with 99 others hospitalized, some in critical condition. Hundreds of teenage boys had gathered in the two-storey building for prayers when it caved in, leaving families in anguish as they await news of their loved ones. Authorities report that cries and shouts can still be heard from beneath the debris, offering a glimmer of hope for survivors. Rescue operations, however, are fraught with danger as the unstable structure threatens further collapse. The school was undergoing construction to add two additional floors, but the building’s weak foundations could not support the weight, according to the disaster mitigation agency. Sidoarjo’s regent revealed that the school management had failed to obtain the necessary permits for the expansion. Since Monday, 11 people have been rescued, though two later succumbed to their injuries. One survivor remains responsive but immobilized, prompting rescuers to construct a tunnel to reach him. Civil engineering expert Mudji Irmawan warned that removing debris could destabilize the structure, while Basarnas head Mohammad Syafii emphasized the risks of shifting concrete slabs, which could endanger trapped survivors. Rescuers are working within a narrow 60cm access point, navigating underground culverts to reach victims. The 72-hour “golden timeframe” for rescue is critical, though Syafii noted that survivors could endure longer with fluids and vitamins. Among the survivors is 13-year-old Muhammad Rijalul Qoib, who recounted the terrifying moments before the collapse. “I heard the sound of falling rocks, and it got louder,” he said. Rijalul managed to escape with help but was struck by debris. Tragically, not all were as fortunate. Maulana Alvan Ibrahimavic, a recent elementary school graduate, was among those killed. His body was escorted to a funeral home in his hometown of Blega district, marking a somber end to a devastating event.
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Jobs, travel, national parks – what impact will US shutdown have?
The US federal government has entered a shutdown following a deadlock between Republican and Democratic lawmakers over budget negotiations. This impasse, which threatens to extend beyond October, is set to disrupt various sectors, from air travel to national parks, and impact millions of Americans. Approximately 800,000 federal employees, representing 40% of the workforce, face unpaid leave, exacerbating financial strain on households. Air travelers may encounter prolonged security lines and delays as unpaid air traffic controllers and Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) workers, though deemed essential, may opt to stay home. Passport processing times are also expected to lengthen, complicating international travel plans. Federal employees, particularly those in non-essential roles, will bear the brunt of the shutdown, with no paychecks until the impasse is resolved. Agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) are likely to furlough staff, disrupting critical research. President Donald Trump, who has previously advocated for reduced government spending, warned that the shutdown could accelerate layoffs and curtail programs favored by Democrats. Contractors working for federal agencies will also miss out on work, with no guarantee of backpay. National Parks and Forests, which faced vandalism during the last shutdown, remain a contentious issue, with former park superintendents urging their closure to prevent further damage. Meanwhile, the Smithsonian Institution museums and the National Zoo will remain open temporarily, though non-essential services like webcams will be suspended. Social health programs such as Medicare and Medicaid will continue, but staffing shortages may cause service interruptions. Emergency disaster relief remains largely unaffected, but the National Flood Insurance Program’s closure could delay mortgages. Food assistance programs, including WIC and SNAP, are at risk of funding shortages, potentially leaving vulnerable populations without support. The shutdown’s ripple effects underscore the broader implications of political gridlock on public services and the economy.
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China’s cargo ban gives new meaning to BHP’s ‘Broken Hill’ origin
China has escalated its pricing dispute with BHP Group by instructing domestic steel mills and trading firms to suspend all new purchases of the Australian mining giant’s iron ore cargoes. This move, reported by Bloomberg on Monday, has sent ripples through global commodity markets and intensified pressure on Australia’s mining industry. The directive was issued by China Mineral Resources Group (CMRG), a state-owned entity established in July 2022 to centralize iron ore imports. CMRG has urged major Chinese steelmakers and traders to halt purchases of BHP’s dollar-denominated seaborne iron ore, effectively freezing new contracts and impacting shipments already en route from Australian ports. Only a limited volume of BHP cargoes already in China remains tradable. The decision follows a series of failed negotiations between Chinese and Australian representatives last week, with neither CMRG nor BHP providing public comments. The impasse stems from disagreements over pricing models, with BHP advocating for an annual pricing system tied to the 2024 Platts average ($109.50 per metric ton), while Chinese buyers pushed for quarterly terms linked to lower spot prices. Since September, CMRG has already advised domestic steelmakers to cease purchasing BHP’s high-grade Jimblebar fines due to stalled long-term contract talks. This has led Chinese buyers to explore alternative sources, including Brazil and Guinea’s Simandou region, where Chinese investments are expected to yield significant iron ore production starting this November. Analysts argue that China’s reliance on Australian iron ore, which accounts for 40% of its imports, has left it vulnerable in pricing negotiations. The Simandou project, once fully operational, is projected to supply 120 million tonnes annually, reducing China’s dependence on Australian sources. The dispute underscores broader concerns about pricing power and transparency in global iron ore markets, with Chinese media criticizing the influence of Western capital in shaping Platts benchmarks. The situation also recalls the 2009 case of Stern Hu, a former Rio Tinto executive accused of spying on China’s steel industry, which reportedly weakened China’s bargaining position in past negotiations.
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US government shuts down with path to reopening uncertain
The United States government has entered its first shutdown in nearly seven years, as Congress failed to reach a consensus on a critical funding bill. The impasse has left hundreds of thousands of federal workers facing furloughs or layoffs, while national parks, museums, and essential services risk closure. The shutdown could also disrupt air travel due to staff shortages, echoing the consequences of previous government closures.
The stalemate stems from a bitter partisan divide over healthcare spending, with Democrats insisting on extending health insurance subsidies set to expire at year-end, while many Republicans oppose the costly measures or demand stricter eligibility rules. Despite frenetic negotiations, a Republican-led short-term funding bill fell short of the required 60 Senate votes, with a Democrat-led proposal also failing to pass.
President Donald Trump has escalated tensions by threatening mass firings of federal employees and cuts to programs he claims are favored by Democrats. ‘A lot of good can come from shutdowns,’ Trump remarked, suggesting the crisis could be an opportunity to eliminate policies opposed by his administration. However, the White House has hinted at permanent layoffs for ‘non-essential’ workers if the shutdown persists.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and top Democrat Chuck Schumer have traded blame, with Schumer accusing Republicans of ‘bullying’ tactics. The shutdown highlights the unique challenges of U.S. governance, where spending plans require bipartisan agreement across the legislative and executive branches. Analysts predict this shutdown could surpass the 2018 crisis, potentially affecting over 800,000 federal workers.
The path forward remains uncertain, with both parties entrenched in their positions. As the standoff continues, the economic and social repercussions of the shutdown are expected to deepen, leaving federal employees and the public in limbo.
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Scot murdered in LA had sought restraining order against accused
June Bunyan, a 37-year-old Scottish woman who moved to Los Angeles to pursue a legal career, was found dead on September 11, suffering from traumatic neck injuries. Her boyfriend, Jonathan Renteria, 25, has been charged with her murder, as well as mutilation, disinterment, and sexual contact with human remains. Renteria has pleaded not guilty, with bail set at $4 million (£2.97 million). The couple, who had a young child together, had a tumultuous relationship marked by allegations of domestic violence. In December 2023, Bunyan applied for a restraining order against Renteria, citing threats to ruin her life and wishes for her death. However, the case was dropped in January 2024 after Bunyan failed to appear in court, reportedly due to reconciliation with Renteria. Bunyan, originally from the Isle of Arran, graduated from Robert Gordon University in 2022 and moved to America in 2023, where she established Renteria Paralegal Services, specializing in immigration law. Friends and neighbors described her as a driven and kind individual who loved America and dreamed of becoming a US citizen. A GoFundMe campaign organized by her friend in the UK has raised nearly £17,000 to repatriate her remains. A preliminary hearing for Renteria is scheduled for November 18.