Shark bites surfer off Sydney, third attack within 48 hours

Sydney records third shark attack in two days; surfer critically injured, northern beaches closed A shark mauled a surfer off a northern Sydney ocean beach, leaving him in critical condition in hospital with serious leg injuries, authorities said, in the city’s third shark attack in two days. New South Wales Police said members of the public pulled the man, believed to be in his 20s, from the water and began first aid before emergency services arrived. All of Sydney’s northern beaches were closed until further notice. Police…

Shark attacks surfer off Sydney coast, third incident in two days

Sydney records third shark attack in two days; surfer mauled at northern beach as closures widen A surfer believed to be in his 20s was critically injured after a shark mauled him off a northern Sydney ocean beach, authorities said, marking the city’s third shark attack in two days and prompting the closure of all northern beaches. New South Wales state police said members of the public pulled the man from the water and began first aid before emergency crews arrived. He suffered serious injuries to his legs and was taken to…

Donald Trump sets $1 billion membership fee for his ‘peace board’

The White House has asked countries to pay $1 billion for a permanent seat on a new “Board of Peace” chaired by U.S. President Donald Trump, according to a draft charter seen by AFP and shared with invitees. The body—initially framed as a vehicle to oversee Gaza’s reconstruction—would be empowered to address conflicts far beyond the Palestinian territory, positioning itself as an alternative to existing multilateral institutions. Under the terms outlined in the charter, member states would be represented by their heads of…

Numerous Liberians Featured on U.S. ‘Most Notorious’ Individuals List

DHS Targets Liberian Immigrants with "Worst of the Worst" Label In a significant escalation of immigration enforcement, more than 40 Liberians residing in the United States have been designated as part of a "worst of the worst" list by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This initiative, instigated by President Donald Trump's administration, comes amidst a broader crackdown on illegal immigration and follows the recent suspension of immigrant visa processing for nationals from 74 countries, including Liberia. The…

Many Liberians Featured on U.S. ‘Top Troublemakers’ List

Concerns Rise as DHS Labels Liberians as "Worst of the Worst" In a controversial move reflecting the intensifying crackdown on illegal immigration by the Trump administration, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has placed over 40 Liberians living in the United States on a "worst of the worst" criminal list. This development comes in the wake of a suspension on immigrant visa processing for nationals from 74 countries, including Liberia. The offenses leading to this designation encompass a range of serious crimes,…

UN warns Yemen’s humanitarian crisis will intensify in 2026

UN warns Yemen crisis set to worsen in 2026 as funding dries up, food insecurity deepens GENEVA — The United Nations warned Friday that Yemen’s humanitarian crisis is poised to intensify in 2026, with deepening food insecurity and a looming collapse in health support as international aid falters. Julien Harneis, the UN resident and humanitarian coordinator for Yemen, said the situation is “very, very concerning” and risks slipping off the global radar until deaths surge. He told reporters in Geneva that the country faces a…

How the EU’s anti-coercion weapon could be deployed against the U.S.

BRUSSELS — Pressure is mounting on the European Union to deploy its new anti-coercion instrument after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened tariffs of up to 25% on several European countries in a standoff over Greenland, a Danish territory. Trump on Saturday vowed levies against EU members Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden — as well as non-members the United Kingdom and Norway — unless Greenland is ceded to the United States. The threat stunned European officials and immediately triggered calls…

Senegal Declares Nationwide Holiday After AFCON 2026 Triumph

Senegal erupted in celebration after a dramatic, controversy-flecked final in which the Teranga Lions edged hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye moved quickly to declare a public holiday, turning a late-night sporting triumph into a national moment of pride and communal relief. The match — described by observers as one of the most explosive finals in African football — produced raw emotion on the pitch and on the streets. While details of the controversy have drawn intense attention, it was…

Legal barrier removed, Somali lawmakers set to join East African Assembly

Legal Block Lifted: Somali MPs to Join East African Legislature DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania — The regional appellate court for the East African Community has overturned earlier decisions that barred nine Somali parliamentarians from taking their seats in the East African Legislative Assembly, clearing the way for Somalia’s first full participation in the EAC’s lawmaking body. Somalia’s Ambassador to Tanzania and the EAC, Ilyaas Cali Xasan, confirmed the development after weeks of legal deliberations. “This ruling strengthens…

Somalia Court Clears Lawmakers to Take Seats in East African Parliament

NAIROBI, Kenya (AX) — A regional appeals court on Monday cleared Somalia’s representatives to take their seats in the East African Legislative Assembly, overturning earlier rulings that had blocked their participation and ending a months-long legal dispute over the country’s nomination process. The decision paves the way for Somalia’s full engagement in the East African Community’s legislative body and removes a significant obstacle to Mogadishu’s regional integration efforts since joining the bloc. Somalia’s ambassador to…