Politics News

Israel's Knesset passed a law barring new Palestinian teachers educated in the Palestinian system from teaching in Israeli schools, including East Jerusalem. The legislation, framed as a security measure, aims to prevent the Palestinian Authority's influence and uphold Israeli educational values. Critics view it as discriminatory and an attempt to control Palestinian children's education.

Bobby Shabangu's election to the Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees marks a historic first for Africa. His appointment signifies a crucial step towards greater geographic diversity in the organization's leadership. Shabangu, with extensive experience in Wikimedia projects and a focus on underrepresented content, aims to ensure the voices and needs of the Global South are heard as the movement evolves.

A $195 million mining dispute between Pula Graphite Partners Tanzania and companies linked to Patrice Motsepe involves allegations of breached non-disclosure and non-compete agreements. Pula claims confidential information was used for a competing graphite project in Tanzania. Parallel legal proceedings are occurring in Tanzania and South Africa, with defendants denying the allegations. The case highlights cross-border litigation complexities.

The prime minister spoke directly to Canadians on Thursday in a wide-ranging address that served as a clarion call for national unity.

The United States urged Nigeria to intensify protection for Christian communities, citing recent abductions. While acknowledging some progress, the US emphasized the need for greater security, accountability for perpetrators, and the release of victims. Nigeria affirmed its commitment to protecting all citizens, regardless of faith, and highlighted ongoing security operations and judicial processes to address violence.

A UNIDO representative emphasized market access as crucial for Ethiopia's surging honey production to translate into prosperity. A conference highlighted the sector's growth, with discussions focusing on international, regional, and local market strategies. Ensuring bee welfare and sustainable practices are vital for economic, social, and environmental benefits. Investment and new technologies are key to solidifying Ethiopia's position in the global honey market.

An e-scooter rider has died after being struck by a freight train at a Lincoln Road level crossing in Christchurch early this morning. Police responded to the incident around 3:30 am, with the victim pronounced deceased at the scene. The serious crash unit is investigating. The incident led to the cancellation of scenic train services and road closures.

A man accused of rape, Matvei Rumiantsev, answered a video call from Barron Trump during an altercation. Rumiantsev allegedly pointed his phone camera at the distressed woman, prompting Trump to call British police. Rumiantsev is on trial for assault and rape charges. He denies the allegations, claiming the woman was hysterical and he answered the call out of surprise.

A man was attacked with an axe at Bootle Strand shopping centre, sustaining head and face lacerations. Emergency services responded to the scene where blood was visible. Police have cordoned off a section of Stanley Road near a bingo hall, believed to be the assault location. Investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend the offenders, with house-to-house and CCTV enquiries underway.

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin urged NPP flagbearer aspirants to campaign with decorum and prioritize party unity. Speaking at a peace pact signing, he emphasized that discipline and civility are crucial for the party's future and Ghana's progress. He warned against public confrontations and insults, stressing that unity makes the NPP formidable, while division harms the nation. The presidential primary is scheduled for January 31, 2026.

Allies of Keir Starmer are reportedly launching a campaign to block Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham from returning to Parliament via a byelection. This move aims to prevent a potential leadership challenge to Starmer. Burnham, a former MP, would need approval from the party's NEC, where Starmer loyalists hold sway, to stand.

Sussan Ley expressed confidence in her leadership despite a Coalition split, with Nationals MPs acknowledging public feedback and some Liberals admitting the party is "bleeding votes." Meanwhile, Australian actors Rose Byrne and Jacob Elordi received Oscar nominations. Separately, a study found sulphur cleanup efforts may have worsened Great Barrier Reef bleaching.

Victoria's public transport is entering the final testing phase for ticketless travel. Soon, passengers can pay fares using contactless credit cards or smartphones, similar to other Australian states. This system, part of the contract with Conduent for the myki system, faced delays but is nearing rollout across the entire network this year.

Millions across the U.S. are preparing for a severe ice storm and winter weather. The storm, expected Friday through the weekend, could bring heavy snow, freezing rain, and sleet, potentially causing widespread power outages. Approximately 78 million people are under winter storm warnings or watches in two-dozen states. Major cities like Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and New York City anticipate significant snowfall.

A social media claim that NUP politician Waiswa Mufumbiro won the Nakawa East parliamentary election is false. Mufumbiro, who was in prison on incitement charges, was nominated but not declared the winner. Fred Ruhindi of the ruling NRM party was announced the victor, receiving 18,555 votes to Mufumbiro's 15,186.

A significant U.S. winter storm is forecast to bring heavy snow, damaging ice, and dangerously cold temperatures from Friday into early next week. Widespread snowfall of 6-12 inches is expected across the Plains, Ohio Valley, mid-Atlantic, and Northeast, with localized totals exceeding a foot. The storm poses risks of travel disruptions and potential power outages.

A hand stencil discovered in Metanduno Cave on Muna Island, Indonesia, has been dated to approximately 67,800 years old, making it the oldest known rock art. Researchers believe a modern human created the stencil, suggesting early human migration through the region. This discovery predates the migration to Sahul by 2,800 years.

Labour leader Keir Starmer will allow MPs to fast-track a social media ban for teenagers to avoid a rebellion. This follows an embarrassing House of Lords defeat supporting an Australian-style ban for under-16s. Starmer is offering a three-month consultation and expedited legislation, appeasing rebels who believe the ban is necessary to protect children from harmful online content.

A former prison officer revealed that convicted murderer James Wheatley feared for his safety at HMP Frankland. After his crime, the murder of vulnerable Lee Irving, became known, Wheatley hid for days due to concerns he would be targeted by other inmates. He was subsequently moved to a unit for vulnerable prisoners for his own safety.

Barron Trump contacted UK police reporting he witnessed a friend being assaulted during a video call. He stated he saw the alleged victim being "beat up" in January 2025. The accused, Matvei Rumiantsev, is on trial for assault and rape charges, which he denies. Trump's call was made from the US to report the incident.