Latest News
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Central Coast wins A-League Women's Grand Final in penalty shoot-out victory
Central Coast Mariners have won the A-League Women’s Grand Final in Australia with a 5-4 shoot-out victory over Melbourne Victory, after a 1-1 tie following extra time. This is the first time the team has claimed the title. Captain Bianca Galic scored the final penalty, giving Central Coast the victory. Alana Jancevski of Victory had earlier hit the crossbar on the first spot kick. After a 1-1 tie in regulation, neither team was able to score during the 30 minutes of additional time. Isabel Gomez gave Central Coast the advantage less than one minute into the second period when she prodded the football past Courtney Newbon, as the Victory defense failed to clear Annalise Rasmussen’s deflected shoot as it looped in the air. Claudia Bunge equalized with 10 minutes left, after Annabel Martin was unable to stop her from crossing the goal line. The central defender met Alana Murphy’s corner with an impressive header. Jancevski missed the goalpost with his first kick in the penalty shoot-out, leaving Galic to score in the final and fifth round. (Reporting and editing by Jamie Freed; Michael Church)
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Israel airstrikes kill 100 or more in Gaza during ceasefire talks
Local health officials said that Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip killed at least one hundred Palestinians overnight. This was announced as mediators held a new round ceasefire talks between Israel, Hamas and other parties. The Israeli military did not immediately comment on its expansion of strikes in the enclave that have killed hundreds of people in the past week. This is in preparation for an upcoming ground offensive in order to gain 'operational controls' over parts of Gaza. "We have had at least 100 martyrs in the last 24 hours." Israeli bombings have wiped out entire families from civil registration records, Khalil al-Deqran told me by phone. Israel has been blocking the entry of food, fuel and medical supplies into Gaza from the beginning of March in an attempt to pressure Hamas to release Israeli hostages. It has also approved plans which could include seizing and controlling the entire Gaza Strip. Hamas has said that it will only release the hostages if Israel ceases its war. On Saturday, Egypt and Qatar mediators - backed by the United States - began a second round of indirect ceasefire negotiations between the two parties. However, sources close to these discussions said that there was no breakthrough. According to a Palestinian official who is close to the talks taking place in Doha, Qatar, Hamas has been flexible with the number of hostages that it can release, but Israel's commitment towards ending the war has always been the issue. Sky News Arabica in Britain and BBC reported that the militant Palestinian group proposed to release about half of its Israeli hostages for a ceasefire lasting two months and the release Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. A Hamas official, when contacted by, said: "Israel’s position remains unchanged. They want their prisoners freed, but without a commitment of ending the war." Israel struck a tent camp housing displaced families near Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip. The strike killed women and children and injured dozens. It also set several tents on fire. Hamas called the strike a "new violent crime" and blamed U.S. officials for the escalated situation. Three journalists and their families were among the dozens of people killed on Sunday. Officials from the medical field said that another family lost at least twenty members in northern Gaza. Medics confirmed that Zakaria al-Sinwar was the brother of Yehya al-Sinwar who Israel murdered last October. Three of his children also died in an Israeli airstrike in their tent located in central Gaza Strip. Sinwar taught history at a Gaza University. Israel's repeated raids and bombardments on Gaza hospitals have left the Gaza healthcare system barely functional. Israel accuses Hamas of causing widespread hunger by blocking aid supplies. Deqran stated that "Hospitals have become overwhelmed by the increasing number of casualties. Many are children. There are several cases of amputations, and hospitals which are repeatedly hit by the occupation are suffering from shortages of medical equipment." In a statement released on Saturday, the Israeli military stated that it had conducted extensive strikes in Gaza to achieve its war goals. Israel has declared its goal in Gaza to eliminate the military and government capabilities of Hamas. Hamas attacked Israeli communities October 7, 2023 and killed around 1,200 people. It also took about 250 hostages. Gaza's health authorities report that the Israeli military campaign has destroyed the enclave. Nearly all residents have been forced to leave their homes, and more than 53,000 Palestinians have died. Reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi, May Ange and Sandra Maler; Editing by Philippa Fletcher and Sandra Maler
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Mexican security forces kill 12 and arrest 9 during raid on suspected gang site
Mexico's Security Ministry reported that Mexican security forces arrested nine suspected members of a criminal gang and killed twelve others during an operation on Saturday in a rural area of southwest Mexico. Omar Harfuch, Minister of Security, confirmed on social media that three Navy members were injured during the Navy-led operations in Huitzontla (Michoacan). Harfuch stated that the detained individuals were linked to crimes like homicide, kidnapping and extortion. The Security Ministry released a statement saying that criminal groups are linked to drug trafficking in the maritime sector. Naval personnel also found weapons and other tactical equipment on the site. The ministry stated that security forces were confronted with "strong aggression," which "necessitated use of force according to current regulations." Mexican newspapers El Universal, and La Jornada have reported that this group is part of Jalisco New Generation Cartel, one of Mexico’s two largest drug cartels. In February, the U.S. designated the cartel as a terrorist group. Reporting by Brendan O'Boyle, Jose Gonzalez and Sandra Maler
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Meloni warns EU's green policies could lead to 'industrial desertification.
Giorgia Mello, the Italian prime minister, warned on Saturday against rigid green policies that could destroy Europe's industrial base. She called for a more conservative approach to ecological transition in order to protect economic and social stability. Meloni, after a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that the European Union’s push for electrification in particular the automotive sector could undermine the manufacturing strength of the continent. Meloni, a reporter in Rome, said: "I've often said that there is no green in a desert." "Before we do anything else, it is important to fight desertification in the European industry." She stated that alternative fuels, such as hydrogen and biofuels, must play a key role in Europe's eco-strategy. Meloni criticized the EU's previous regulatory approach, saying that it was too rigid and had "crushed", sectors such as the automotive industry. She expressed concern about Europe's dependence on non-European electric vehicle supply chain dominance, calling it a strategic weakness. She said: "I still believe that it is counterproductive to concentrate solely on electric transition where supply chains are not under the control of Europe but other actors." Meloni called on the European Commission (EC) to revise key aspects of so-called Green Deal. This includes new emission calculations that take into account the entire vehicle production cycle, and not just the tailpipe emissions. The European Parliament voted earlier this month to relax rules for European automakers. This means they won't have to meet EU CO2 emission targets for cars and trucks that could have resulted in fines up to 17 billion euros (15 billion euros). After heavy lobbying by automakers, the European Commission has proposed that they meet their targets using the average emissions for the period of 2025-2027 rather than this year. Meloni added that bilateral cooperation in the automotive industry could have a significant impact. (Reporting and editing by Crispian B. Balmer)
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At least 21 people have died in Kentucky and Missouri as a result of severe storms
Officials said that at least 21 people died overnight in Kentucky and Missouri as a volatile weather pattern spawned a tornadoes across the Midwest and Great Lakes of the United States. Andy Beshear, Governor of Kentucky, stated that at least 14 people had been killed in Kentucky and that the death toll would likely rise. He declared an emergency in his own state earlier, just as Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe did. Beshear posted on social media that "we lost at least fourteen of our people last night" but the number will likely increase as more information is received. At least nine deaths occurred in Laurel County about 150 miles south of Louisville where a tornado struck late Friday night, said Sheriff John Root on social media. He called it "a mass casualty incident." He said there were many severe injuries and that a search was underway for survivors. Social media images showed the destruction caused by the tornado in Laurel County. Entire blocks of houses were reduced to splinters and cars, pickup trucks, and other vehicles were battered and crushed. A reported twister in Union County, 250 miles west of Laurel County and near the Illinois border, leveled homes in Morganfield. However, there were no reports of immediate casualties. A TORNADO HITS ST. LOUIS Cara Spencer, the mayor of St. Louis said that a tornado had ripped through St. Louis earlier, causing at least five deaths, 38 injuries and 5,000 property damages as it tore roofs off. The tornado also knocked out power lines, and it swept through rush hour traffic in a major thoroughfare on Friday. Officials report that two other people were also killed in Scott County in southeast Missouri. Spencer, who became mayor one month ago, said to reporters Friday night that "our city is in mourning." The loss of lives and destruction are truly, truly horrific. Joan Miller, a resident of St. Louis, recounted the narrow escape she had when a tornado hit her brick home. She said, "The tree in front of me was shaking violently because the wind began." "Suddenly, all the doors closed and the windows flew from the bedroom. The entire back of my home... now you can see into the alley." National Weather Service reported widespread thunderstorms across parts of the Mississippi Valley, Tennessee Valley and Ohio Valley on Friday. At least half-a-dozen tornadoes have touched down in Missouri, Illinois and the surrounding area. Other severe weather has reached the Atlantic Coast and another tornado was reported in New Jersey. U.S. Homeland Security Secretary KristiNoem told reporters that she spoke with the governors in Missouri, Kentucky, and Illinois about offering federal resources to assist their states with the aftermath. She wrote on Twitter: "We discussed that emergency management should be led by local authorities. We reaffirmed that DHS is ready to act immediately to offer resources and assistance." Noem has been a champion of a change to the federal strategy under the Trump administration for managing disasters by shifting responsibility to the states. The proposed budget of President Donald Trump includes significant cuts to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which is under her jurisdiction. According to poweroutage.us which tracks blackouts throughout the United States, as of Saturday afternoon about 155,000 customers in Kentucky and Missouri were without electricity. Frank McGurty, Frank McGurty, Steve Gorman, Daniel Trotta and Harshita meenaktshi contributed to the reporting; Susan Fenton, Diane Craft, Rod Nickel and Susan Fenton edited.
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France's Orano is exploring the sale of Niger uranium, reports FT
The Financial Times reported that the French nuclear fuel company Orano, owned by the French government, is looking to sell its uranium assets located in Niger, following the breakup of its relationship with Niger's military leaders. The uranium mining company said that on Tuesday it filed a lawsuit in Niger courts for "arbitrary arrests, illegal detentions and unjustly confiscated property" which involved its staff and assets. Orano claimed it was unable to reach its Niger mining director, Ibrahim Courmo. Sources said earlier this month that Courmo had been taken to the headquarters of Niger's external intelligence agency General Directorate of External Documentation and Surveillance. Orano announced in early December of last year that the Niger military government, which took power through a coup 2023, now controls the Somair Mine, a mine in which Orano holds about 63% of the stake, and the government the rest. The company had also a mining license for its subsidiary Imouraren strip in June 2024. Orano stated in a press release that its priority was the ongoing international arbitral process. It added that "several interested parties have expressed interest in the mining assets owned by the group in Niger, and they are free to make offers if so desired". (Reporting by Harshita Meenaktshi in Bengaluru. Gareth Jones, Susan Fenton and Gareth Jones edited the story.
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Governor says at least 14 people have died in severe storms that ripped through Kentucky.
The Governor Andy Beshear announced on Saturday that at least 14 people died overnight in Kentucky as a result of severe storms. This is expected to increase, the governor said. NBC News had reported earlier that 16 people died as severe weather swept across parts of two states. It wasn't immediately clear if the deaths announced by Beshear on the social media platform X were included in total cited in NBC report. Beshear declared an emergency in his state following the storm system that destroyed mobile homes in Morganfield. This was reported by WLKY, a Louisville-based broadcaster. Officials said earlier that a tornado tore through Missouri's city of St. Louis and damaged 5,000 homes as it tore roofs off. Officials said that it also knocked over power lines, and swept a major thoroughfare on Friday during rush hour traffic. NBC reported that five people died in St. Louis and two more in Scott County in southeastern Missouri. St. Louis mayor Cara Spencer told reporters Friday night that "our city is in mourning." Spencer was sworn into office a month earlier. The loss of lives and destruction are truly, truly horrific. NBC News reported that a spokesperson from both St. Louis Children's Hospital as well as Barnes-Jewish Hospital said at least 35 people were admitted, 15 of whom were children. Barnes-Jewish received at least 20 and possibly 30 people who had been injured by the severe weather. To prevent injury from falling debris and to reduce the possibility of looting, the city implemented a curfew between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. (0200-1100 GMT). A hazardous weather advisory, which warned of severe thunderstorms until early Friday evening in eastern Missouri and posted a tornado warning for the area immediately to the south-east, was in place at the time the deadly twister struck. National Weather Service reported widespread thunderstorms across parts of the Mississippi Valley, Tennessee Valley, and Ohio Valley on Friday. There was also the possibility for heavy rains, flash flooding, and other weather conditions. Dennis Jenkerson, the Fire Chief, said that about 500 first responders were deployed. This included 17 search teams. Early indications suggest the number of injuries was small compared to the total damage. The National Weather Service has reported that at least a half-dozen tornadoes have touched down in Missouri, Illinois and the surrounding area. Other severe weather has been reported all the way up to the Atlantic Coast including another tornado in New Jersey. (Reporting and editing by William Mallard, Susan Fenton, and Susan Fenton; Reporting by Daniel Trotta and Harshita Menaktshi)
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Local health officials say that Israeli strikes in Gaza have killed 146 Palestinians within 24 hours.
Local health officials said that Israel's airforce has killed or injured at least 146 Palestinians over the last 24 hours in new attacks against Gaza. The country appears to be preparing a new offensive on the ground. Since Thursday, Israel has been launching one of its most deadly bombardment phases since the truce broke down in March. The latest strikes occurred as U.S. president Donald Trump concluded his Middle East trip on Friday without any apparent progress toward a new ceasefire. "Since midnight we have had 58 martyrs and a number of victims are still under the rubble. Marwan Al-Sultan, director of the Indonesian Hospital located in northern Gaza said that the situation within the hospital was "catastrophic". Local health authorities reported that 459 people were injured by Israeli attacks in the last 24 hours. Israel's Military said Saturday that it is conducting extensive strikes in Gaza Strip as part of its preparations for expanding operations and achieving "operational controls" in certain areas of the Palestinian Enclave. Gaza's health system barely functions, with Israeli forces repeatedly hitting hospitals during the war that lasted 19 months. Medical supplies are also drying up due to Israel's tightening of its blockade. Israel claims that the escalation includes the building up of armoured troops along the border. It is the first stage of "Operation Gideon's Wagons", which is intended to defeat Hamas and get its hostages returned. A senior Israeli official stated earlier this month that the operation wouldn't be launched until Trump had completed his Middle East visit. The military announced on Saturday that "we are gradually increasing our forces; Hamas continues to defiant". UN experts warn of a looming famine in Gaza, after Israel blocked aid delivery to the strip 76 day ago. UN Aid Chief Tom Fletcher asked the Security Council to act this week to "prevent genocide". Trump acknowledged the growing hunger crisis in Gaza and the need to deliver aid, while international pressure is increasing on Israel to end its blockade and resume ceasefire negotiations. The U.N. says it will not work with a U.S. foundation that isn't neutral, impartial or independent. Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel, said that Israel planned an intensive offensive against Hamas on May 5, as his security cabinet approved plans which could include seizing the Gaza Strip and controlling all aid. Israel's army ordered Gazans on Friday to move south following heavy attacks in northern Beit Lahia, and the Jabalia Refugee Camp. Residents said that tanks were moving towards Khan Younis, a southern city. Israel has declared its goal in Gaza to eliminate the military and government capabilities of Hamas. Hamas attacked Israeli communities October 7, 2023 and killed around 1,200 people. It also took about 250 hostages. Gaza's health authorities claim that the military campaign has destroyed this tiny enclave. It has forced nearly all of its 2,000,000 inhabitants to leave their homes, and killed more than 53,000. NBC News reported Friday, citing 5 people who have knowledge of the issue, that the Trump Administration is working on a permanent relocation plan for up to one million Palestinians to move from the Gaza Strip into Libya. Palestinians including Hamas and President Mahmoud Abdullah's rival authority reject any forced displacement outside of their homeland. Reporting by Maytaal angel and Nidal Al-Mughrabi, Editing by Susan Fenton
After appeals are dismissed, the UK's Thames Water Debt Lifeline will proceed.
Thames Water, Britain’s largest water supplier, announced on Monday that its 3 billion pounds ($3.9 billion) debt-lifeline will go ahead, after all appeals were dismissed. This allows the company to avoid an immediate state rescue.
Thames Water had two appeals to make after obtaining court approval for a new loan in Feburary. However, both were denied by the Court of Appeal in a sealed decision on Monday. The reasons were stated in the sealed order and would be revealed in the "due process" judgment.
A group of junior creditor, who argued that the rescue favored senior creditors, as well as a group focusing on the environment, the value for taxpayers and led by Charlie Maynard, a lawmaker, made appeals. Both groups felt that the interest rate of 9.75% on the new debt was too high for Thames.
The junior creditors group said that they would explore all possible avenues in response to Monday's decision.
Thames Water has been at the center of a backlash from the public against Britain's water sector. The company's mismanagement has been blamed for the sewage pollution of rivers and an 18 billion-pound debt load that has brought it to the brink.
The chief executive of the group said that his main focus was to put the company on "a stable financial foundation".
The company still faces challenges even though it has won its current legal battle.
Thames Water can now restructure debt and raise equity to fund its finances. It is also appealing to the Competition Appeal to be able to increase its prices to customers for the next five years.
In a press release, CEO Chris Weston stated that "we continue to work closely" with our creditors. This allows us to gain access to liquidity so that we can continue to implement our turnaround plans and deliver better results to our customers.
Aberdeen, Elliott Investment Management (EIM), Invesco, M&G, and PIMCO are among the senior creditors who have contributed to this lifeline. In response to the court's statement, they stated that the new debt will help Thames in its turnaround as new long-term owners are sought.
A spokesman from the creditor group stated that "we will be working with the firm to allow it to proceed and access the money needed to continue investing in the business, and work with stakeholder to complete an equity procedure this summer."
Thames Water announced on Monday that it is continuing its fundraising and assessing each bid. The company expects to receive its first tranche of the 1.5 billion pounds from the lifeline program in the next few months after meeting conditions and obtaining waivers, among other details.
The government has said repeatedly that it wants Thames Water's special administration regime to be avoided, a temporary nationalisation. It is also focused on reforming and improving the performance of the privatised water industry in terms of its environmental impact. ($1 = 0.7712 pound) (Reporting and editing by Susan Fenton; Paul Sandle, Tomaszjanowski, and Susan Fenton)
(source: Reuters)