A devastating nightclub fire in Kocani, North Macedonia, left 59 dead and many injured. The blaze, sparked by stage fireworks, engulfed the venue quickly due to flammable materials. Most victims were young, including minors. Officials are investigating corruption and lack of safety compliance, with 15 people in custody, including the club's owner and event organizers.
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The US Senate confirmed Pete Hegseth as defense secretary with a narrow 51-50 vote, following a contentious debate. Vice President JD Vance cast the deciding vote after three Republicans joined all Democrats in opposition. Hegseth, a military veteran and former Fox News host, faced accusations of misconduct during the confirmation process.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Liz Cheney exchanged social media remarks regarding Cheney's past with USAID and Musk's US citizenship. The conversation highlights USAID's role in historical US foreign policy actions and its current organizational changes under the Trump administration.
The M23 rebel group’s advance toward Goma in eastern Congo has displaced over 178,000 people in two weeks, exacerbating the region’s ongoing humanitarian crisis. The rebels captured key towns, including Minova, and continue to threaten Goma. Rwanda is accused of supporting M23, though it denies the claim. Thousands of displaced people are fleeing to camps, facing ongoing violence and uncertainty.
At the Munich security conference, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to meet US vice president JD Vance, warning against trusting Vladimir Putin. Concerns grow over a potential Ukraine peace deal orchestrated by Trump, which may force Kyiv into territorial concessions. European allies fear being left to handle Ukraine’s security alone. Meanwhile, security is heightened in Munich following a recent car-ramming attack that injured 30 people.
Mobile telephone and data subscribers in Nigeria will now have to pay more after the government approved a 50-percent increase in tariffs, as the country battles one of its worst cost-of-living crises in decades. Telecommunications companies in the west African country had initially proposed a 100-percent tariff increase in the face of rising operational costs.
Senior international officials gather in London on Tuesday aiming to chart a pathway to peace for Sudan on the second anniversary of its brutal civil conflict, but without the presence of the warring parties. French foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot pledged 50 million euros in aid, underlining the aims of the conference to mobilise the international community and urge warring parties to agree to a ceasefire.
Influencer Meg DeAngelis faced backlash for an insensitive post about the Los Angeles wildfires, which have claimed lives and displaced thousands. DeAngelis later apologized for her tone-deaf comment. This incident occurred amidst criticism of other influencers posing for selfies near burning homes.
Kyle Clifford, 26, pleaded guilty to murdering his ex-girlfriend Louise Hunt, her sister Hannah Hunt, and their mother, Carol Hunt, at their home near London in 2022. Using a crossbow and knife, Clifford carried out the attack before injuring himself. He also admitted to weapon possession and false imprisonment but denied rape. The case has reignited calls for stricter crossbow regulations in the UK.
Russell Vought has been confirmed as the director of the White House Office of Management and Budget by the US Senate, despite strong Democratic opposition. Vought, previously holding the same post, is key in Trump’s plan for reshaping the federal government. Controversy surrounds an OMB order that halts federal aid, with Democrats challenging its legality.
Gunmen ambushed a Pakistan convoy travelling to bring aid to a region besieged by sectarian fighting on Saturday, local government said, wounding several officials despite a ceasefire announced three days ago. After a truce was called on January 1, the convoy was attacked as it travelled to collect the first aid delivery of food and medicine sent by road since November, officials said.