Taylor Swift’s latest album, *The Life of a Showgirl*, has stormed the charts, achieving the UK’s biggest opening week of 2025 with 304,000 copies sold since its release on Friday. This figure surpasses the first-week sales of her previous albums, *The Tortured Poets Department* (270,000 copies in 2024) and *Midnights* (204,000 copies in 2022). In just three days, Swift has secured the UK’s largest first-week sales since Ed Sheeran’s *Divide* in 2017. The album is also on track to become the year’s best-seller, currently led by Sabrina Carpenter’s *Short N’ Sweet* with 444,000 copies sold since January. Carpenter features on the title track of Swift’s album. In the US, Swift shattered records with 2.7 million sales on Friday alone, marking her biggest sales week ever and the second-largest sales week for any album since 1991. Only Adele’s *25* outperformed this, with 3.378 million copies sold in its first week in 2015. *The Life of a Showgirl* also set a new US record for vinyl sales, with 1.2 million copies sold, partly due to eight collectable variants. This surpasses Swift’s previous vinyl record of 859,000 copies for *The Tortured Poets Department*. The album, written and recorded during the European leg of her Eras Tour, captures her blossoming romance with Travis Kelce, who recently announced their engagement. Despite mixed critical reviews, Swift’s dominance extends beyond music, with her 89-minute film, *Taylor Swift: The Official Release Party Of A Showgirl*, grossing $46 million at the box office. The film includes the premiere of her music video for *The Fate Of Ophelia*, behind-the-scenes footage, and commentary on the album. Swift dismissed retirement rumors on BBC Radio 2, stating, ‘It’s not why people get married – so that they can quit their job.’
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Southern right whales awe admirers in Patagonia after coming back from brink of extinction
PENÍNSULA VALDÉS, Argentina — Southern right whales, once teetering on the edge of extinction, are now flourishing in the waters off Argentina’s Patagonian coast, captivating tourists and conservationists alike. Peninsula Valdés, a globally significant marine mammal conservation site in the Chubut province, serves as a critical breeding ground for these majestic creatures, alongside elephant seals and sea lions. This year, the region has witnessed an unprecedented surge in whale sightings, with over 2,000 individuals spotted during the peak whale-watching season from August to September. The actual number is believed to be even higher, according to scientists. The Southern right whale population, which plummeted to around 600 due to rampant hunting in the last century, has now rebounded to approximately 4,700 in the Peninsula Valdés area. Tourists like Tino Ventz, a German visitor, have described the experience as unparalleled. “I’ve seen whales in Canada and California, but this was the best and probably the largest number of whales I’ve ever seen,” Ventz remarked. The whales’ acrobatic displays, particularly breaching, have left an indelible mark on observers. Some tourists prefer to watch from the shore, such as at El Doradillo Park in Puerto Madryn, where whales often linger close to the coast with their calves. Biologist Santiago Fernández, part of a long-term research project, noted that the whale population has been growing at an annual rate of 3% since 1999. However, this expansion brings new challenges, as whales increasingly encounter human-related hazards like fishing nets and boat propellers. Ongoing research, including the “Following Whales” project, aims to better understand their migration patterns and mitigate these risks.
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Shoe thrown at India’s top judge in religious row
In a shocking incident that has sparked widespread condemnation, an Indian lawyer, Rakesh Kishore, hurled a shoe at Chief Justice BR Gavai during a court proceeding in New Delhi on Monday. The act, widely regarded as a grave insult and security breach, occurred after Kishore allegedly took offense at remarks made by the judge concerning Hinduism. Witnesses confirmed that the shoe narrowly missed the Chief Justice and another judge before landing behind them. Kishore was heard shouting, ‘India won’t tolerate insult to Sanatan Dharma [Hinduism],’ as he was escorted out by security personnel. He has since been suspended from legal practice. Despite the disruption, Chief Justice Gavai remained composed, instructing lawyers to continue their arguments without distraction. The incident has drawn sharp criticism from across the political spectrum, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi labeling it ‘utterly condemnable.’ While the specific remarks that provoked Kishore remain unclear, some reports suggest they may be linked to a recent court petition dismissed by a bench led by Justice Gavai, during which he made comments about the Hindu deity Vishnu. The Chief Justice has not publicly addressed the incident, and Indian authorities have stated that no charges will be filed against Kishore. This episode underscores the sensitivity surrounding religious sentiments in India and raises concerns about courtroom security.
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CAR president’s rival invited back from exile then detained
Dominique Désiré Erenon, a prominent critic of the Central African Republic (CAR) government and leader of the March for Democracy and the People’s Salvation (MDSP) party, has been detained by security forces upon his arrival at the country’s main airport. Erenon, who had been living in exile in France for the past three years, returned to CAR in response to President Faustin-Archange Touadéra’s public appeal for diaspora citizens to come home. His arrest has sparked widespread speculation and criticism, particularly among civil society groups and opposition supporters, who view it as part of a broader pattern of political intimidation ahead of December’s elections. Authorities have yet to disclose the reasons for his detention or any formal charges. Erenon, a former constitutional expert for the African Union and lecturer at the University of Bangui, fled to France in 2022 following an alleged abduction attempt. His party claims he returned to resume his teaching duties and engage in national political dialogue. The arrest occurs amidst increasing state control and the presence of Russian-linked mercenaries supporting the government. Erenon is currently being interrogated by the Research and Investigation Section (SRI) and is expected to face a hearing with the public prosecutor. His family is closely monitoring the situation and considering legal representation.
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Brits century helps SA respond to England crushing
In a dramatic turnaround, South Africa secured a commanding six-wicket victory against New Zealand in the ICC Women’s World Cup held in Indore. This win marked a stark contrast to their crushing 10-wicket defeat by England just days earlier. South Africa, led by Tazmin Brits’ remarkable century, showcased resilience and skill to outclass their opponents. Brits, who scored 101 runs off 89 deliveries, played a pivotal role in the victory, supported by Sune Luus’ unbeaten 81. The Proteas chased down New Zealand’s total of 231 with ease, reaching the target in just 40.5 overs. New Zealand, despite a promising start, faltered in both batting and fielding, leading to their downfall. Sophie Devine’s 85 runs were the highlight for the Kiwis, but their inability to capitalize on key moments cost them dearly. This victory positions South Africa as strong contenders in the tournament, while New Zealand faces mounting pressure to secure a spot in the top four. The match also highlighted Brits’ exceptional form, as she became the first woman to score five ODI centuries in a calendar year. South Africa now looks ahead to their next challenge against India, while New Zealand prepares to face Bangladesh.
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Man killed in suspected bear attack in Arkansas
In a tragic and rare incident, a 60-year-old Missouri man camping in the Ozark National Forest in Arkansas was fatally attacked by a bear, according to local authorities. The victim, whose identity has not yet been released, was reported missing by his children after they lost contact with him during his trip to Sam’s Throne campground. Sheriff Glenn Wheeler confirmed that the man’s body was discovered several yards outside the campsite, bearing injuries consistent with a large carnivore attack. The suspected bear was captured and killed after being identified through camera footage at the campground. Local hunters, aided by hounds, tracked and treed the bear, which was later euthanized. The bear’s remains will undergo necropsy and DNA testing to confirm its involvement in the attack. Sheriff Wheeler expressed relief at the resolution, stating, ‘This was a dangerous bear.’ The campground remains closed indefinitely. The victim had previously sent his family photos of a bear near his campsite, which helped authorities identify the animal—a young male black bear matching the size and coloration of the photographed bear. Arkansas is home to over 5,000 black bears, the state’s only bear species. Fatal bear attacks are exceedingly rare in North America, with only 63 recorded deaths from black bear attacks between 1900 and 2009, according to the Journal of Wildlife Management.
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Venezuela denounces alleged ‘extremist’ plan to attack shuttered US Embassy complex
Venezuela has raised alarms over an alleged extremist plot to target the closed U.S. Embassy in Caracas with explosives, heightening already strained bilateral relations. Jorge Rodríguez, head of Venezuela’s National Assembly and the country’s dialogue delegation with the U.S., disclosed that Washington had been alerted through multiple channels about a “serious threat” posed by right-wing groups masquerading as supporters of President Nicolás Maduro. Rodríguez accused these factions of orchestrating a false-flag operation to plant explosives at the embassy, which has been shuttered since 2019 following the rupture of diplomatic ties between the two nations. Despite its closure, the embassy retains a skeleton staff responsible for security and maintenance. Rodríguez emphasized that Venezuela has bolstered security measures at the site and informed a European embassy to facilitate communication. The U.S. State Department has yet to comment on the allegations. The embassy compound, located in southeastern Caracas, remains under Venezuelan police patrol. The warning coincides with escalating tensions over the U.S. military presence in the Caribbean, which Washington claims is aimed at combating drug cartels. Maduro has condemned the deployment as a threat to Venezuela’s sovereignty, while the U.S. accuses him of involvement in drug trafficking. The situation underscores the deepening rift between the two nations, with no signs of reconciliation in sight.
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Lula asks Trump to lift 40% tariff on Brazilian imports
In a significant diplomatic exchange, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva engaged in a 30-minute phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday, urging the removal of the 40% tariff imposed on Brazilian imports by the U.S. government. The discussion, described as productive by both leaders, also touched on broader economic and trade relations between the two nations. According to a statement from Lula’s office, the Brazilian president reiterated his invitation for Trump to attend the upcoming climate summit in Belem, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation on environmental issues. Trump later took to Truth Social to express his satisfaction with the call, noting that the conversation was largely centered on economic and trade matters. He hinted at future discussions and potential meetings in both Brazil and the United States. The Trump administration had initially imposed the 40% tariff in July, citing Brazil’s policies and the criminal prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro as justification. Bolsonaro, who lost his reelection bid in 2022, was recently convicted of attempting a coup and sentenced to 27 years and three months in prison by Brazil’s Supreme Court. Lula also extended an offer to visit Washington to continue the dialogue initiated during their meeting at the United Nations General Assembly earlier this month.
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No 10 denies government involved in collapse of China spying case
The UK government has firmly rejected allegations of its involvement in the collapse of a high-profile prosecution against two men accused of espionage for China. Christopher Cash, a former parliamentary researcher, and Christopher Berry were charged under the Official Secrets Act in April 2024, accused of gathering and sharing state-sensitive information between December 2021 and February 2023. However, the charges were unexpectedly dropped in September, sparking criticism from ministers and MPs. Downing Street has denied claims that the government withheld evidence or influenced the decision, emphasizing that the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) acted independently. The CPS stated that the case could no longer proceed as the evidence no longer met the required legal threshold. The decision has raised concerns about national security, with MPs warning that it could leave Parliament vulnerable to espionage. Conservative MP Alicia Kearns, who previously employed Cash, described the collapse of the trial as ‘inexplicable’ and suggested that external factors may have influenced the CPS’s ability to prosecute. The case has also reignited debates over the UK’s relationship with China, particularly as the Labour government seeks to strengthen trade ties with Beijing. Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s visit to China in October 2024 highlighted this shift, as he emphasized the need for pragmatic solutions to complex challenges. Critics, however, argue that prioritizing economic relations with China could compromise national security.
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Skydiving instructor killed after falling without parachute in Nashville
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the tragic death of a skydiving instructor during a jump in Nashville, Tennessee. Justin Fuller, an experienced instructor, is believed to have fallen from the sky without a parachute after becoming separated from his student and the tandem rig, which connects the pair and includes the parachute. The incident occurred on Saturday near John C. Tune Airport. A police helicopter later discovered Fuller’s body in a wooded area. Meanwhile, the student, who survived the fall, was rescued by the Nashville Fire Department after being trapped in a tree for hours. Authorities confirmed that three other dives from the same plane were completed successfully, and the aircraft landed safely. The cause of the separation remains unclear. A witness involved in the rescue effort told local station WSMV that the student, a first-time skydiver, vowed never to jump again. Fuller, who had recently expressed his passion for teaching skydiving on Instagram, described the job as ‘the most rewarding’ and shared the joy of seeing students master the skill. However, he also acknowledged the challenges of guiding beginners in high-pressure situations.