A Serbian prosecutor who investigated a project involving President Donald Trump’s family in Belgrade was targeted with advanced spyware, according to digital security experts. This spyware attack highlights concerns about the Serbian government’s efforts to undermine the investigation into alleged illegal support for the Trump business project.
Key Facts
Rade Bajić, a Serbian prosecutor, investigated a Trump family real estate project in Belgrade.
Bajić’s phone was targeted by spyware, likely Pegasus, which can secretly access all data on a device.
The Serbian government is suspected of using spyware against opponents and critics.
The project involved stripping legal protections from a Belgrade site to build a $500 million Trump hotel and tower.
Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vučić personally supported the project and met with Donald Trump Jr. and Jared Kushner.
Prosecutors charged senior Serbian officials with illegally changing the status of the building site.
Kushner canceled the Trump Belgrade project after the corruption charges were made public.
Bajić was removed from the case before the indictment but spoke publicly about upholding the law equally.
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The article discusses how the U.S. experience with the 2011 intervention in Libya, which resulted in the death of Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi and subsequent instability, relates to the current conflict between the U.S. and Iran. It highlights challenges in using military force to change governments and notes President Donald Trump's cautious stance on regime change abroad based on Libya’s aftermath.
Key Facts
Libya’s leader Muammar Qaddafi was killed in 2011 after a NATO-backed rebellion.
The fall of Qaddafi led to long-lasting chaos, migration issues, and attacks on U.S. interests like the Benghazi diplomatic compound.
The Libya intervention showed limits of U.S. airpower without strong ground support.
President Donald Trump originally supported quick action against Qaddafi but later warned the country could end up worse off.
Similar concerns exist about U.S. military actions in Iran, where there is no large internal opposition to support a regime change.
The Libya operation contributed to political consequences for the Obama administration, including controversies around Hillary Clinton’s email use.
Experts warn that trying to overthrow Iran’s government with air power alone is unprecedented and unrealistic.
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Adrian Ramsay, former co-leader of the Green Party, has asked Green councillors to reject a party motion that calls Zionism racism and supports a single Palestinian state, if rejecting it helps them stay in local government coalitions. This disagreement shows division within the party, as some Green groups have rejected the motion to maintain partnerships with other parties like Labour and the Liberal Democrats.
Key Facts
The Green Party adopted a motion calling Zionism racism and supporting a single Palestinian state.
Adrian Ramsay opposes this motion and encourages councillors to reject it to keep power locally.
Labour has told local parties to end deals with Greens if they do not disown the motion.
Several Green council groups have already rejected the motion to keep coalitions with other parties.
Ramsay supports a position that both Palestinians and Israelis should have their own states.
Green Party co-leader Zack Polanski supports the motion but wants to amend the call for a single Palestinian state.
Ramsay warned that breaking coalitions could let right-wing parties take control and harm local services.
The debate highlights tensions between national party policies and local political cooperation.
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Israel’s far-right National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, is gaining strong support among young first-time voters ahead of the general elections. More than 16% of new voters plan to back far-right parties, reflecting a shift toward right-wing views among young Israelis, influenced partly by recent attacks and ongoing security concerns.
Key Facts
Itamar Ben-Gvir was once rejected from the Israeli army for extreme political views but is now a key government minister.
Over 500,000 first-time voters will participate in the upcoming Israeli election.
Polls show that more than 16% of these young voters support far-right parties, including Ben-Gvir's Jewish Power.
Nearly 75% of young voters identify as right or center-right politically.
Ben-Gvir supports annexing the West Bank, settling Jews in Gaza, and encouraging Palestinians to leave voluntarily.
Western countries have imposed sanctions on Ben-Gvir for his statements against Palestinians.
The October 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas influenced many young Israelis to support stronger security measures.
Ben-Gvir’s popularity is higher among young voters than older generations and is seen as a reflection of a 20-year trend toward right-wing views in Israeli youth.
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French President Emmanuel Macron responded to violent nationwide student protests by condemning destruction and promising accountability, while students demand real changes in education. The protests show growing frustration with centrist politics and highlight divisions ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with far-left and far-right parties gaining attention.
Key Facts
Violent protests across France were sparked by student demands for better education, more teachers, and fairness.
President Macron said those responsible for violence must be punished and victims compensated.
Many young people remain dissatisfied, planning ongoing protests until change happens.
The unrest has increased political divisions before the 2027 French presidential election.
Far-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon supports the student movement and leads among voters aged 18-24.
Far-right politician Marine Le Pen focuses on protest violence, framing it as a security crisis.
Macron cannot run again in 2027 due to constitutional limits after serving two terms.
The protests have pushed youth issues into the political spotlight, challenging usual electoral focus on older voters.
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Turkey's government took control of Halk TV, a popular independent news channel. Amnesty International says this is part of a larger effort to limit independent media in Turkey by detaining journalists and controlling digital platforms.
Key Facts
Halk TV is one of Turkey’s most-watched independent news channels.
The government appointed state trustees to manage Halk TV.
This takeover is seen as part of a wider loss of media freedom in Turkey.
Since March 2025, restrictions on independent journalism in Turkey have increased.
Amnesty International calls the government’s actions a severe attack on press freedom.
Journalists in Turkey face detentions and other pressures.
Independent digital news platforms are also facing tighter control.
Narrowing the media landscape can lead to more spread of false information.
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France has seen a decrease in violence after the government imposed nighttime curfews in Paris and other major cities following widespread protests over the high cost of living. Over 2,500 people have been arrested during the unrest, which included riots, looting, and attacks on public buildings.
Key Facts
Nighttime curfews started on Monday in cities like Paris, Bordeaux, Nice, and Lyon to reduce violence.
Protests began in September led by students demanding education reforms but expanded to demand solutions for rising living costs.
More than 2,500 people have been arrested, with 67 jailed so far amid the protests.
Around 60,000 police and security forces have been deployed across the country.
Some protests turned violent, causing damage to shops, government buildings, and vehicles.
A historic town hall in Limoges was set on fire during the riots.
French authorities are investigating the fire with counter-terrorism teams involved.
The protests and unrest are happening ahead of the April 2027 presidential election, which follows President Emmanuel Macron’s two terms.
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New research shows that the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico caused long-lasting harm to sea life, even 16 years after the disaster. The study highlights ongoing environmental damage in the area.
Key Facts
The BP oil spill happened over 16 years ago in the Gulf of Mexico.
The spill released large amounts of oil into the ocean.
New studies reveal damage to marine animals and ecosystems still exists.
The oil spill's impact is not fully healed despite the time passed.
The Gulf Coast's environment continues to suffer from this event.
Researchers used scientific methods to study the long-term effects on wildlife.
The study emphasizes the need for ongoing environmental protection and monitoring.
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French students are protesting against President Macron's policies. The protests show that many students are upset because they face poor housing and poverty.
Key Facts
French students are holding protests.
The protests are related to education issues.
Students say they are struggling with poverty.
Housing insecurity is a big problem for students.
Alice Cohen-Morzadec is a spokesperson for the French student union.
She says the protests show growing anger at President Macron’s policies.
The protests express student frustration and resentment.
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French authorities arrested a 40-year-old man suspected of starting a fire at the Limoges town hall during protests about high living costs. French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said that curfews in Paris and other cities helped keep peace overnight, and more curfews might be introduced. In Italy, the government sent 500 troops to Milan due to recent riots and looting.
Key Facts
A fire damaged the Limoges town hall after protesters forced entry during demonstrations about the cost of living.
A 40-year-old man with a far-left activist background was arrested for the arson attack.
Prime Minister Lecornu said curfews in major French cities helped maintain calm at night.
Some curfews, like in Bordeaux and Nice, will last several days; Paris had a one-night curfew initially.
A police helicopter patrolled Paris’s Place de la République with a spotlight to monitor unrest.
Italy deployed 500 army troops to Milan after two days of riots and shop looting.
Shops and boutiques in Milan’s fashion district closed due to the unrest.
European leaders are discussing EU-UK relations and regional security amid the situation.
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A new international dance show called *Subject to Change: A Dance for David Bowie* will debut in Luxembourg in 2028 and later be performed in London and Tokyo. The show uses new choral music and dance to explore Bowie’s many artistic identities, blending his songs with global voices and cultures to create a fresh, collective experience.
Key Facts
*Subject to Change* is a dance show inspired by David Bowie’s different stage personas like Ziggy Stardust and the Thin White Duke.
It will premiere in Luxembourg in 2028, perform at Sadler’s Wells in London in autumn 2028, and visit Tokyo in 2029.
Spanish choreographer Marcos Morau leads the project, aiming to show how Bowie changed his art and self over time.
The show uses new choir arrangements and incorporates the voice of Spanish singer Maria Arnal.
It focuses on transforming Bowie’s songs by mixing them with choral traditions from around the world.
Morau wants to avoid making a simple tribute and instead create new meanings from Bowie’s work.
Bowie valued the body’s role in performance, using dance and physicality as part of his artistic expression.
The production features iconic visuals like the Tokyo Pop costume designed by Kansai Yamamoto, worn by Bowie as Ziggy Stardust.
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Rising fuel prices in Europe are causing protests and unrest in several countries, including France, Italy, and Poland. These economic pressures are also helping far-right political parties gain more support ahead of elections in 2027.
Key Facts
Fuel costs in Europe have risen sharply, with gas prices up about 140% and diesel prices doubled.
The US-Iran war, starting in February 2026, has increased energy prices and disrupted trade in Europe.
Protests over living costs have turned violent in France, with looting and damage to buildings.
Far-right parties are gaining popularity, with some suggesting a return to Russian energy sources.
Farmers in southern Italy are protesting because the high fuel prices make it too expensive to work their land.
Transport disruptions caused by roadblocks from truckers, farmers, and steelworkers have led to local fuel shortages.
French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged protesters’ concerns but condemned violence and vandalism.
The European Commission estimates the Iran conflict has cost Europe about €100 billion ($112 billion) in trade and energy.
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King Mohammed VI of Morocco appointed Prime Minister Fatima Zohra Al Mansouri, the first woman to lead the Moroccan government. Her party, the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), which is closely connected to the king, won the most seats in recent elections and leads a coalition that continues the current political direction.
Key Facts
Fatima Zohra Al Mansouri is Morocco’s first female prime minister.
PAM, the party she leads, was founded in 2008 to counter political Islam and is closely linked to the monarchy.
PAM won the most parliamentary seats in September elections but needed coalition partners to form a majority.
Voter turnout was low, with 62% of eligible voters not participating.
There were suspicions of election irregularities, but no clear proof due to lack of official data.
Influential individuals joined parties shortly before elections to boost votes, such as a popular football federation president joining PAM.
The new government kept many previous ministers and ministries controlled directly by the king.
The government aims to tackle social issues and economic challenges like the rising cost of living, but faces global economic pressures such as higher energy prices.
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Alberta voters took part in their first referendum on separating from Canada. Early results show about 76 percent want to stay part of Canada, while 23 percent support starting a process that could lead to separation.
Key Facts
Alberta held its first-ever referendum on whether to separate from Canada.
Over one million votes were counted early in the vote.
Around 76% of voters chose to remain part of Canada.
About 23% voted to begin a process that might lead to separation in the future.
The vote did not directly decide independence but was a step toward a possible future vote.
Alberta is an oil-rich province in Canada.
Prime Minister Mark Carney supports Canadian unity during a trade conflict with the United States.
The referendum result is seen as a win for efforts to keep Canada united.
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French cities became calmer overnight after curfews were imposed to stop riots and looting. The Prime Minister said police helped enforce these curfews, and more may be applied where needed.
Key Facts
Curfews were set up in parts of Paris and other cities like Marseille, Bordeaux, Nice, Lyon, and Lille.
The curfews limited movement, especially of young people, and stopped large gatherings.
More than 2,500 people have been arrested since the riots began.
About 1,000 police officers were injured during the unrest.
A protester lost a hand from a police crowd-control grenade.
The Interior Minister offered to resign after police lost control in some cities, but his resignation was refused by President Emmanuel Macron.
The protests began with student demands for better school conditions but grew to include trade unions and other groups.
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Voters in Alberta, Canada, have mostly voted against holding a referendum to start separating from Canada. Around 77% of voters want to stay part of Canada, while 23% support beginning the process of independence.
Key Facts
The vote was not a direct choice for independence but about whether to hold a future referendum on separation.
Over one million votes were counted in the early results.
About 77% voted to remain in Canada, and 23% voted for holding a referendum on separation.
The results are unofficial and came from Elections Alberta.
Alberta is a province in Canada with a recent movement for independence.
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke against separation.
Carney warned that voting to leave Canada would be risky and compared it to a dangerous bluff.
The vote result is important for Canadian politics and relations with the U.S. during ongoing trade tensions involving President Donald Trump.
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A 15-year-old girl (called R) attended a student protest in Delhi and made offensive remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a short video. After the video spread, she faced threats, harassment, and legal trouble, forcing her and her mother to move multiple times and stop going to school.
Key Facts
The protest was about education reform and the resignation of the education minister after exam leaks.
R made crude remarks about Prime Minister Modi, which led to a police case against her.
Modi called for forgiveness for the children involved, despite condemning the language used.
R apologized publicly for her comments in a video, but threats and harassment continued.
R and her mother had to leave their home multiple times due to safety concerns.
Her mother lost her tutoring job and sold gold jewelry to pay for housing.
R has not attended school since the incident and some friends have distanced themselves.
The police case was reported to be withdrawn after R’s apology video.
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Kyle Hudson, a 22-year-old man from Werribee, Australia, died by suicide in 2021 after struggling with heavy online sports betting. A Victorian coroner ruled that his online gambling was the main cause of his death and highlighted the harmful effects of gambling on his life and relationships.
Key Facts
Kyle Hudson started betting online on his 18th birthday in 2017 and lost over $47,000 over four years.
He placed nearly 900,000 dollars worth of bets through Sportsbet, Entain, and Bet365.
His gambling caused serious harm to his personal life, including the breakup with his long-term girlfriend shortly before his death.
Hudson placed bets on more than half of the days in the last six months of his life, sometimes making over nine bets per day.
Sportsbet accounted for 85% of his bets and triggered warnings about his gambling behavior 37 times during those years.
Betting companies did not identify Hudson as high risk at the time, but evidence showed he was suffering significant gambling harm.
The coroner criticized Sportsbet for denying the problem and recommended the government require companies to show customers their net financial losses clearly.
The case highlights broad concerns about the human cost of online gambling and the need for better protections for bettors.
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An inquest into the death of eight-year-old Elizabeth Struhs found that authorities missed chances to investigate her family’s extreme religious beliefs that rejected medical treatment. Elizabeth died from diabetic ketoacidosis after her father stopped giving her insulin, and several government agencies failed to question the family’s beliefs deeply enough.
Key Facts
Elizabeth Struhs died on 7 January 2022 from diabetic ketoacidosis, a complication of type 1 diabetes.
Her father stopped providing insulin, the necessary treatment for her condition.
The family belonged to a religious sect called the “Saints” that rejects medical care in favor of prayer.
Elizabeth was hospitalized in 2019 for the same condition due to delayed medical help.
Both parents were convicted of child neglect related to Elizabeth’s care.
Authorities, including police and child safety workers, did not deeply explore the family’s religious beliefs.
The coroner suggested adopting recommendations from Victoria’s cults inquiry, which looks into controlling behaviors in groups like cults.
Queensland police recently created a reporting system to track cult-related crimes but face challenges balancing religious freedoms and child safety.
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President Donald Trump said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy should be replaced by someone else to negotiate peace with Russia, blaming Zelenskyy for not ending the war sooner. Zelenskyy criticized the Trump administration for delaying arms shipments, restricting intelligence, and making decisions that hurt Ukraine and helped Russia during the ongoing conflict.
Key Facts
President Trump suggested Kyiv should have a different negotiator instead of President Zelenskyy for peace talks with Russia.
Trump blamed Zelenskyy for not ending the war in Ukraine earlier and called him a "warmonger."
Trump defended sanction waivers for Russia, saying they keep Russia involved in talks, a move Zelenskyy says harms Ukraine.
Trump announced Russia would supply diesel fuel to ease high fuel prices, upsetting Ukraine and some US and European officials.
Zelenskyy told US senators that arms deliveries were delayed and intelligence sharing was limited under Trump’s administration.
Several European countries want to send Patriot missiles to Ukraine but are waiting for US approval.
Ukraine reported missing advance warnings of Russian attacks and suggested some disruptions, which US officials denied.
Peace talks are planned in Norway with Zelenskyy, Norwegian leaders, EU, NATO, and other European representatives.
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