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  • Female shooter? Nine killed in Canada mass shooting that targeted school, residence

    Female shooter? Nine killed in Canada mass shooting that targeted school, residence

    A remote mountain community in western Canada is grappling with an unprecedented tragedy after a mass shooting claimed nine lives and left 27 injured at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and a connected residence. The horrific incident, which unfolded on Tuesday in the picturesque foothills of the Rockies, represents one of Canada’s deadliest school shootings in recent history.

    According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the attack resulted in two critically injured victims and 25 others with non-life-threatening wounds. While Canadian media outlets have reported the shooter was female, authorities have declined to confirm the suspect’s identity during press briefings. The assailant was found deceased at the school with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

    The violence prompted an immediate lockdown response at the secondary school, where six victims were discovered fatally shot. A seventh victim succumbed to injuries while en route to medical facilities. Simultaneously, police discovered two additional fatalities at a residential property believed connected to the incident.

    Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed being ‘devastated’ by the ‘horrific acts of violence,’ canceling his scheduled appearance at the Munich Security Conference to address the domestic crisis. The community of Tumbler Ridge, with approximately 2,400 residents located 1,100 kilometers north of Vancouver, has been plunged into mourning.

    Eyewitness accounts describe the terror that gripped the school during the lockdown. Student Darian Quist recounted to CBC how disturbing images of the carnage circulated among students during the two-hour ordeal before police tactical teams secured the building. His mother, Shelley Quist, emotionally declared her son wouldn’t be ‘out of my sight for a while’ following the traumatic event.

    The RCMP’s northern district commander Ken Floyd characterized the situation as ‘rapidly evolving and dynamic,’ with investigators continuing to search additional properties for potential connections to the attack. This tragedy follows another recent mass casualty event in Vancouver, where 11 people died in a vehicle attack targeting a Filipino cultural festival in April, challenging Canada’s reputation for low rates of mass violence.

  • 2 killed after civilian airplane shot on landing in Indonesia’s Papua

    2 killed after civilian airplane shot on landing in Indonesia’s Papua

    In a tragic incident highlighting ongoing security challenges in Indonesia’s eastern region, two pilots were killed when unknown assailants opened fire on a civilian aircraft during landing in Papua on Wednesday. The attack occurred at approximately 11:17 AM local time as the Smart Air Cessna Caravan approached Korowai Airport in Boven Digoel, South Papua province.

    According to police spokesman Cahyo Sukarnito, the aircraft was carrying 13 passengers alongside the flight crew when gunfire targeted the plane upon touchdown. In response to the attack, both pilots and all passengers evacuated the aircraft and sought refuge in nearby forested terrain surrounding the airport facility.

    Tragically, both the pilot and co-pilot sustained fatal injuries during the incident. All passengers aboard the flight were confirmed safe and accounted for following the attack. Authorities have not yet identified the perpetrators behind the shooting, with police investigations ongoing to determine responsibility.

    The attack occurs against the backdrop of long-simmering tensions in Indonesia’s resource-rich Papua region, where separatist groups have maintained a low-intensity independence conflict since the territory’s controversial incorporation into Indonesia following a UN-supervised vote in 1969. The region has experienced escalating violence in recent years despite increased security presence.

    Smart Air, the operator of the targeted aircraft, has not issued an immediate public statement regarding the attack or the loss of their flight crew members. The incident represents one of the most direct attacks on civilian aviation in the region’s ongoing conflict, raising concerns about the safety of air transport in remote areas of Papua.

  • UAE athletes dominate in Arab Women Sports Tournament

    UAE athletes dominate in Arab Women Sports Tournament

    Emirati female athletes delivered a spectacular performance at the Arab Women Sports Tournament 2026, concluding Tuesday with an impressive medal tally that solidified their regional athletic supremacy. The UAE national team accumulated 18 medals total across three days of intense competition, including seven gold, five silver, and six bronze medals, establishing a commanding lead in the athletics program.

    The tournament witnessed outstanding individual achievements from UAE competitors. Sara Fahad Mohammed of Sharjah Women’s Sports Club claimed victory in the 100m hurdles with a time of 14.62 seconds, while Mahra Abdulrahim Enqelya secured gold in the 400m hurdles, clocking 1:03.23. Fatima Yousif Alhosani of Abu Dhabi Athletics Club demonstrated remarkable versatility, earning gold medals in both discus throw (47.06m) and shot put (12.36m).

    Team events further highlighted Emirati dominance as Sharjah Women’s Sports Club captured gold in the 4×400m relay with a time of 4:00.43. The pole vault competition resulted in a UAE one-two finish, with Shahad Abdulla Ahmad and Alyaziah Tariq Doei both clearing 2.60 meters.

    Egypt secured second position overall with 12 medals (6 gold, 3 silver, 3 bronze), while Iraq placed third with an equal number of medals (3 gold, 6 silver, 3 bronze). Jordan finished fourth with two medals, Kuwait fifth with nine, and Saudi Arabia sixth with five medals. Libya and Palestine concluded the tournament with one silver medal and no medals respectively.

    The comprehensive victory underscores the UAE’s investment in women’s sports development and demonstrates the growing competitiveness of female athletes across Arab nations.

  • China’s first research center focusing on foreign-related criminal affairs opens in Shanghai

    China’s first research center focusing on foreign-related criminal affairs opens in Shanghai

    Shanghai has become home to China’s inaugural research institution dedicated to foreign-related criminal affairs with the establishment of the Center for Foreign-Related Criminal Rights Protection and Risk Prevention. The groundbreaking facility commenced operations at the East China University of Political Science and Law, marking a significant advancement in China’s approach to international legal challenges.

    The newly launched center will concentrate on several critical domains including governance of cross-border money laundering activities, regulatory frameworks for international capital movements, and tax-related criminal risks affecting overseas operations. Additional focus areas encompass criminal governance mechanisms for digital currencies and cross-border financial transactions, international asset recovery protocols, anti-smuggling initiatives, overseas compliance standards, and transnational criminal dispute resolution.

    According to Director Sun Wanhuai, who also heads the Criminal Justice College at the university, the center will serve as both a think tank platform for legal rights protection and risk prevention, and as a collaborative ecosystem integrating industry expertise, academic research, and practical application. The institution aims to facilitate enhanced international cooperation through optimized mechanisms for case study sharing, joint research initiatives, and specialized talent development programs.

    University Vice-President Luo Peixin emphasized the center’s broader significance, noting its potential to protect the lawful rights and interests of Chinese enterprises and citizens operating abroad while simultaneously strengthening corporate international competitiveness and soft power. The establishment of this research facility represents a strategic response to China’s growing need for sophisticated foreign-related legal expertise and aligns with national efforts to enhance the country’s global legal standing.

  • Qatar Emir, US’ Trump discuss ‘de-escalation’ as Iran threat lingers

    Qatar Emir, US’ Trump discuss ‘de-escalation’ as Iran threat lingers

    In a significant diplomatic development, Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and United States President Donald Trump convened a high-level telephone discussion on Wednesday focusing on regional security stabilization. The conversation centered on mounting tensions in the Gulf region following Washington’s explicit threats of military action against Iran.

    The Qatari royal court disclosed that both leaders examined the prevailing regional climate and evaluated international initiatives directed toward conflict de-escalation and the reinforcement of regional security architectures. The dialogue emphasized the critical importance of bolstering diplomatic channels and peaceful conflict resolution mechanisms to address ongoing regional crises.

    This diplomatic exchange occurred against the backdrop of resumed indirect negotiations between American and Iranian officials in Oman last Friday. These talks represent the first substantive engagement between the parties since Tehran’s violent suppression of domestic protests prompted Washington to deploy a naval task force, spearheaded by an aircraft carrier, to strategic waters in the Middle East.

    The timing of these parallel diplomatic maneuvers suggests coordinated international efforts to prevent further escalation in one of the world’s most volatile regions. Qatar, maintaining diplomatic relations with both Washington and Tehran, continues to position itself as a mediator in regional conflicts, leveraging its unique geopolitical standing to facilitate dialogue between adversarial nations.

  • Samsung Galaxy S26 series set for February 25 debut: Here’s everything we expect at Unpacked 2026

    Samsung Galaxy S26 series set for February 25 debut: Here’s everything we expect at Unpacked 2026

    In a landmark initiative for the United Arab Emirates’ healthcare sector, Mediclinic City Hospital in Dubai has inaugurated the nation’s first ‘Tree of Life’ installation. This permanent artistic monument serves as a profound tribute to both deceased organ donors and living individuals who have made the life-altering decision to donate. The unveiling marks a significant step in the UAE’s ongoing efforts to promote organ donation awareness and honor those whose selfless acts have saved countless lives.

    The ‘Tree of Life’ stands as more than just a memorial; it functions as an educational and inspirational centerpiece within the hospital. Its primary objective is to foster a culture of organ donation by visually representing the impact of each donor’s legacy. By creating a physical symbol of gratitude, Mediclinic aims to demystify the donation process and encourage open conversations among patients, families, and healthcare professionals about this critical aspect of modern medicine.

    This initiative aligns with the UAE’s broader National Program for Donation and Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissue, reflecting growing institutional support for transplant medicine. Hospital administrators emphasize that the tree will serve as an enduring reminder of how individual generosity can trigger a cascade of healing, potentially saving up to eight lives through organ donation and enhancing many more through tissue donation.

    The installation arrives at a pivotal moment as healthcare authorities work to address the gap between supply and demand for transplantable organs. By celebrating donors publicly, Mediclinic hopes to normalize donation discussions within Emirati society and contribute to increasing registration rates across the country’s diverse population.

  • The 81-Year-Old ‘Guardian of the Great Wall’

    The 81-Year-Old ‘Guardian of the Great Wall’

    At 81 years of age, Mei Jingtian embodies an extraordinary legacy of preservation, having devoted 43 years to the uncompensated protection of China’s iconic Great Wall. This remarkable volunteer has spent nearly half a century traversing treacherous terrain and navigating hazardous pathways in his self-appointed role as cultural custodian of one of humanity’s most renowned architectural marvels.

    Mei’s profound connection to the ancient structure transcends conventional conservation efforts. Where others might perceive mere stone and mortar, he recognizes a living testament to Chinese heritage—a sacred trust demanding vigilant stewardship for future generations. His unwavering commitment has transformed him into a symbolic guardian during this Chinese New Year period, capturing national attention as an exemplar of cultural dedication.

    Through extreme weather conditions and physical challenges that would deter most individuals, Mei has persistently monitored sections of the wall, documented deterioration, and advocated for preservation measures. His grassroots efforts represent a deeply personal crusade against the relentless forces of time and neglect that threaten this UNESCO World Heritage site.

    The narrative of this octogenarian conservator emerges not merely as a story of archaeological preservation, but as a powerful testament to individual agency in cultural protection. Mei Jingtian stands as living proof that the most significant conservation initiatives often begin with single individuals who refuse to let history crumble into oblivion.

  • Dubai’s tourism industry achieves third successive record-breaking year with 19.59 million international visitors in 2025

    Dubai’s tourism industry achieves third successive record-breaking year with 19.59 million international visitors in 2025

    Dubai has cemented its status as a premier global destination by achieving an unprecedented third consecutive record-breaking year in tourism, welcoming 19.59 million international overnight visitors throughout 2025. This represents a robust 5% increase from the 18.72 million arrivals recorded in 2024, according to official data released by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).

    The city’s tourism sector demonstrated exceptional momentum by surpassing the 2 million visitor mark in a single calendar month for the first time in its history during December 2025, setting a powerful trajectory for 2026. This remarkable achievement was attributed to strategic global partnerships, innovative marketing campaigns, and a diverse portfolio of major events that showcased Dubai’s multifaceted appeal.

    His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, emphasized that this sustained growth reflects the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the ambitious targets outlined in the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. “Dubai’s success stems from our commitment to building a globally connected city that offers distinctive experiences while creating substantial opportunities for visitors and residents alike,” stated Sheikh Hamdan.

    Regional market analysis revealed Western Europe maintained its position as Dubai’s largest source market, contributing 4.1 million visitors (21% share), followed closely by the GCC region with 2.99 million arrivals (15%). The city’s diversified tourism strategy effectively attracted visitors from both traditional and emerging markets, with significant growth recorded across all major regions including CIS/Eastern Europe (2.89 million), South Asia (2.89 million), and the Americas (1.40 million).

    Dubai’s hospitality sector demonstrated exceptional performance with average hotel occupancy reaching 80.7% in 2025, up from 78.2% the previous year. The city’s hotel inventory expanded to 154,264 rooms across 827 establishments, positioning Dubai ahead of other global destinations such as Bangkok, New York, Paris, and Singapore in terms of room capacity. Notable new property openings included Ciel Dubai Marina (the world’s tallest hotel), Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, and Mandarin Oriental Downtown.

    The emirate’s tourism ecosystem received multiple international accolades throughout 2025, including recognition as the first Certified Autism Destination™ in the Eastern Hemisphere and ranking among the world’s top ten safest cities. Dubai’s culinary scene gained global recognition with three hotels featured in The World’s 50 Best Hotels list and two restaurants ranking among The World’s 50 Best Restaurants.

    Infrastructure developments played a crucial role in supporting this growth, with Dubai International Airport maintaining its position as the world’s busiest airport for international passengers for the eleventh consecutive year. Future developments including the expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport and the construction of the Dubai Metro Blue Line are expected to further enhance the city’s accessibility and tourism capacity.

    Sustainability initiatives achieved significant milestones, with the Dubai Sustainable Tourism drive recognizing 153 hotels for their environmental practices. The Dubai Can initiative eliminated 42.7 million single-use plastic bottles through its network of 65 water refill stations, while the DUBAI REEF project advanced with over 47% of planned reef modules deployed to support marine conservation.

    As Dubai looks toward 2026 and beyond, the emirate remains focused on accelerating its D33 vision through continued infrastructure development, cultural preservation, and sustainable urban planning, ensuring its position at the forefront of global tourism innovation.

  • Filipino farmers, environmentalists score victory against British mining firm

    Filipino farmers, environmentalists score victory against British mining firm

    In a significant environmental victory, residents of Dupax del Norte in the northern Philippines have successfully compelled government authorities to suspend mineral exploration activities by British mining subsidiary Woggle Corporation. The community’s persistent resistance, maintained through months of police confrontations and arrests, culminated in the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) issuing an immediate cease-and-desist order against the mining operations.

    MGB Director Michael Cabalda justified the suspension by citing ongoing blockades along access roads that prevented safe entry to exploration sites, creating concerns regarding public safety and order. The order remains effective until normalization of conditions allows for lawful exploration activities to resume safely.

    Woggle Corporation, a subsidiary of Metals Exploration, holds substantial interests in local gold and nickel deposits. The company faced widespread criticism for obtaining court orders against community opposition that resulted in mass arrests of protesters.

    Environmental organizations and indigenous rights advocates have celebrated the suspension as a triumph of collective action. Indigenous rights group Katribu welcomed the development while emphasizing the temporary nature of the victory and pledging continued solidarity until Woggle Corporation completely withdraws from the region.

    Regional support organization Taripnong Cagayan Valley cautioned that the temporary suspension might represent a strategic pause rather than a permanent solution, warning that the company could employ military or police support to resume operations through alternative means. The group called for a permanent ban on mining activities in the area to protect both environmental integrity and indigenous rights.

  • Grand jury declines to charge Democrats in ‘illegal orders’ video

    Grand jury declines to charge Democrats in ‘illegal orders’ video

    A federal grand jury has declined to indict six congressional members over a controversial video encouraging military personnel to reject unlawful commands, marking a significant legal setback for prosecutors. The case, pursued by the District of Columbia U.S. Attorney’s office under Trump-appointee Jeanine Pirro, alleged seditious conspiracy against the Democratic lawmakers.

    The investigation originated from a 90-second video disseminated last November, wherein the legislators—all with military or intelligence backgrounds—advised service members they retain the right to refuse illegal orders. The video emerged during heightened scrutiny of U.S. naval operations targeting suspected drug trafficking vessels near South American coasts.

    Among those involved, Senator Mark Kelly—a former Navy captain and astronaut—has initiated separate litigation against the government for attempting to downgrade his retirement rank in retaliation. Following the grand jury’s decision, Kelly publicly denounced the proceedings as “an outrageous abuse of power by Donald Trump and his lackies,” referencing both the rank reduction threat and the criminal investigation.

    The Justice Department sought charges under statute 18 U.S.C. § 2387, which criminalizes incitement of military insubordination and carries potential decade-long prison terms. Other representatives implicated include Jason Crow (Colorado), Maggie Goodlander (New Hampshire), Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan (Pennsylvania), and Elissa Slotkin (Michigan).

    Slotkin hailed the outcome as a victory for judicial integrity, stating on social media: “Today, it was a grand jury of anonymous American citizens who upheld the rule of law… Hopefully this ends this politicized investigation for good.”

    Critics of the Trump administration condemned the probe as both a free speech infringement and another example of targeting perceived political opponents. The BBC has contacted the Justice Department for commentary regarding the terminated investigation.