Authorities in North Macedonia have closed numerous nightclubs after a tragic fire at a live concert in Kocani killed 59 people. The closure follows inspections revealing multiple safety violations. Currently, 16 individuals remain in custody. National mourning has been declared, with funeral services for the victims planned, while some injured are receiving treatment in European hospitals.
Related news
A plane carrying 60 passengers and four crew members collided with a military helicopter a few miles away from the White House, resulting in a search-and-rescue operation in the Potomac River. Emergency personnel halted all takeoffs and landings at Reagan National Airport. President Trump expressed condolences, calling it a terrible accident.
Austria's conservative chancellor Karl Nehammer said Saturday he would step down in the 'coming days' after breaking off coalition talks with the Social Democrats over disagreements on key issues. "After the break- I will step down both as chancellor and party chairman of the People's Party in the coming days and enable an orderly transition," he said.
US President Trump aims to end the Russia-Ukraine war but is increasingly frustrated with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy for not engaging in peace talks. Trump's administration is pushing Nato allies for more support and holding discussions with Russia, though excluding Ukraine has drawn criticism. Despite tensions, Trump remains focused on securing peace.
US temporarily blocked a guilty plea by Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, accused mastermind of the 9/11 attacks, avoiding a plea deal that would spare him the death penalty. Legal challenges and mishandling have prolonged the case. Defence Secretary Austin opposed the deal, and legal battles continue over the plea agreement's validity.
A former Brazilian city councilor shocked the public by removing a toilet and two sinks from her office bathroom after losing her re-election bid. JanaÃna Lima claims she paid for the fixtures herself and returned them after intense backlash. The incident has led to public criticism and an investigation by the new House president.
Dan 'Razin' Caine is now the chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff. The Senate confirmed the retired Air Force Lieutenant General. This happened after President Trump dismissed Gen. CQ Brown Jr. earlier. Caine's confirmation vote saw some opposition. Senator Schumer expressed concerns over Brown's dismissal. Caine pledged to offer unbiased advice to Trump. He also denied wearing any political merchandise.
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka faces criticism after a 2004 video showing him praising controversial Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan resurfaced. Baraka praised Farrakhan’s moral authority and stood by his lifelong work for justice amid backlash. Farrakhan’s controversial statements and Baraka’s ongoing association with him have sparked debate, though Baraka defends the Nation of Islam's influence in Black communities.
President Trump officially designated English as the US national language to foster unity. The new executive order overturns an earlier mandate requiring federal aid for non-English speakers, giving agencies the discretion to decide their level of multilingual support. English remains predominant amid the US's linguistic diversity.
At 26, Suchir Balaji, an Indian-origin tech researcher and former OpenAI employee, voiced copyright concerns about AI companies, then was found dead, ruled a suicide, but his family remains skeptical. They push for a deeper investigation into his death while advocating for whistleblower protections.
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers called the event “heartbreaking,†while President Joe Biden described the shooting as “shocking and unconscionable,†renewing calls for action against the country’s epidemic of school gun violence. With the school days away from its Christmas break, the tragedy has left a community shattered and grappling with unanswered questions.