Foreign News Archives - Page 2 of 11

Rare Lunar Eclipse Turns Moon Deep Red as 96% Is Covered

September 11, 2026August 28, 2026 by admin

A rare near-total lunar eclipse has transformed the Moon into a striking deep-red spectacle across parts of the world, as Earth’s shadow covered about 96 per cent of its surface at the height of the celestial event. The eclipse occurred overnight Thursday into Friday, coinciding with the August Sturgeon Moon, giving skywatchers across the Americas and parts of Europe, Africa and the Middle East a striking view of the reddish-copper Moon. Although the event came close to a total lunar eclipse, it was classified as a partial lunar eclipse because a small portion of the Moon remained outside Earth’s darkest shadow, known as the umbra. At its peak shortly after midnight Eastern Time on Friday, about 96 per cent of the lunar surface was obscured, Yahoonews reported Friday alongside images of the eclipse across the globe. The deep red and copper colour seen across much of the Moon was caused by sunlight passing through Earth’s atmosphere before reaching the lunar surface. Earth’s atmosphere filters out much of the blue light, allowing more red and orange light to pass through and illuminate the Moon. The partial phase lasted for more than three hours, while the entire eclipse lasted about five and a half hours, from the Moon’s first passage into the outer part of Earth’s shadow until it emerged. Photographers captured the spectacle above landmarks and landscapes in several countries, including the United States, Turkey, Israel, Italy, Spain, Poland, Brazil and Guatemala. In the United States, images showed the eclipsed Moon above the Washington Monument and across locations in California, Kansas and New York. The Americas had the best opportunity to observe the event, while parts of Europe, Africa and the Middle East also witnessed portions of the eclipse before the Moon set. Friday’s spectacle was the second lunar eclipse of 2026, following a total lunar eclipse in March. It also came just over two weeks after a total solar eclipse crossed Greenland, Iceland and Spain, while a partial eclipse was visible from parts of the United States. The next total lunar eclipse is expected on New Year’s Eve in 2028, with Asia and Australia expected to have the best views. The next total lunar eclipse visible across North and South America is expected in 2029.

US Plans to Revoke Up to 200,000 Visas Over Alleged Asylum Fraud

August 25, 2026 by admin

The US government is planning to revoke the visas of foreign nationals who entered the country for tourism or business but later sought to extend their stay by applying for asylum, the State Department said on Tuesday. The crackdown marks another step in the Trump administration’s signature drive to reduce immigration into the United States. The administration said it is now working with the Department of Homeland Security to identify and revoke the visas of people who, it said, came to America billing themselves as temporary visitors but then applied for asylum so they could stay permanently. “Obtaining a visa in order to seek asylum is fraud — which is grounds for visa revocation,” State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said in a statement that confirmed press reports about the new policy. The White House, in a post on X, suggested “up to two hundred thousand visas” would be affected and claimed it would be the “largest mass visa revocation in history.” The State Department neither confirmed nor denied that number. Pigott said, “The number of revocations remains dynamic and will be done on a rolling basis.” Early this month the department said that since President Donald Trump returned to power in January 2025, some 175,000 foreigners had seen their US visas revoked on grounds ranging from criminal offenses, including driving under the influence, to praising the killing of the right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. The administration also recently revoked the visas of Mexican officials, including the son of the former president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. This prompted a complaint from the current president, Claudia Sheinbaum. Trump, who won reelection in large part on his promise to fight illegal immigration, has expelled huge numbers of people who were in the country without proper residence papers. But he has also worked to restrict the entry of foreigners who do go by the rules and has gone after those who overstay their visas after they expire. Some of these measures have been challenged and curtailed by the courts. Last Friday a federal judge struck down a government ban on visas to nationals from 75 countries who wish to settle in the country indefinitely. These countries included Afghanistan, Brazil, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Somalia, Thailand and Yemen. The Trump administration is also planning to expand vetting of the social media accounts of visa applicants. “We are making clear that a visa is a privilege — not a right,” Pigott said Tuesday. AFP

Nigerian Dies After Being Detained at Indian Railway Station

August 20, 2026 by admin

A Nigerian citizen has died following his detention and questioning by officials of the Railway Protection Force at Surat Railway Station in India, prompting the Government Railway Police to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. The man, whose identity was not disclosed, was travelling from Mumbai to Delhi on the Golden Temple Express when he was detained at Surat following an alleged altercation with fellow passengers, according to a report by The Indian Express on Thursday. Police said the incident began on August 17 after a passenger contacted the railway helpline, 139, to report that the Nigerian national and another passenger were allegedly fighting near one of the train’s gates. The Nigerian allegedly sprayed a fire extinguisher at co-passengers during the altercation while the train was travelling between Vapi and Surat stations, police sources said. He was subsequently detained at Surat and taken to the RPF office for questioning, where he reportedly collapsed. He was rushed to the Surat Municipal Institute of Medical Education and Research Hospital, “where doctors declared him dead on arrival.” The Surat GRP has registered a case of “accidental death”, while the post-mortem examination conducted on August 18 was awaiting its report as of Wednesday evening, according to the report. Western Railway Superintendent of Police, Abhay Soni, said preliminary findings indicated that the deceased was a Nigerian national who lived in Vasai, Mumbai. “After primary investigations, it is believed that the deceased was a Nigerian national. When Surat RPF caught him, he didn’t have any of his identity cards with him,” Soni told The Indian Express. Soni also disclosed that the man had previously been arrested twice by police in Mumbai in connection with cocaine trafficking cases. “He lived in Vasai (Mumbai) and was arrested twice by Malwani and Malad police in Mumbai for drug (cocaine) trafficking cases in 2018,” he said. The police officer said the purpose of the Nigerian’s trip to Delhi remained under investigation and confirmed that he had boarded the train from Borivali in Mumbai. Soni said the GRP had commenced an inquiry into the death, with statements expected from officers involved in the detention and those present at the RPF office. “We have started an inquiry. Statements from the police officials who caught him and those present at the police station will be taken. We are also waiting for the autopsy report,” he said. The investigation into the death is being conducted by Deputy Superintendent of Police D H Gaur.

US Prisoner Who Survived Eight Execution Dates Dies at 101

August 19, 2026 by admin

Francis Clifford Smith, a US inmate who spent more than seven decades in prison and survived eight scheduled execution dates, has died at the age of 101, the BBC reported on Wednesday. Smith was convicted of first-degree murder in Connecticut in 1950, when he was 25, but maintained his innocence throughout his imprisonment. He was accused of killing Grover Hart, a night watchman at a Connecticut yacht club, in 1949. Smith was one of two men arrested over the killing, but the other man accepted a plea deal and testified against him. Smith was subsequently convicted and sentenced to death. However, doubts about his conviction emerged over the years. Witnesses later recanted their statements, while another inmate confessed to the murder. One of the officers who interrogated Smith after his arrest also later told the Board of Pardons that he believed Smith was innocent. “I’m not even sure he was present at the murder,” Major Leo Carroll said, according to the Boston Globe. Smith was scheduled for execution eight times and was given a last meal on each occasion before his execution was ultimately spared. He spent more than seven decades in prison, apart from three brief periods of freedom. In 1967, Smith escaped from prison but was recaptured 12 days later. In 1974, he was allowed to leave prison for Christmas Eve and returned the following day. He was granted parole in 1975 but was arrested about 10 months later for petty larceny and possession of a weapon, in violation of his parole. Richard Sparaco, a former executive director of Connecticut’s Board of Pardons and Paroles, said Smith later rejected several attempts to return him to parole. In 2020, however, Smith was granted supervised parole and moved to a care facility for elderly people. Andrius Banevicius, public information officer for Connecticut’s Department of Correction, said Smith became known as “The Birdman of Osborn” because he regularly fed birds while in prison. “He would stuff as much bread as he could … in his clothing,” Banevicius said. “Everyone kind of turned a blind eye to it because they knew he was just feeding the birds.” Smith eventually moved to 60 West, a nursing facility providing care to incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people. David Skoczulek, a spokesman for the facility, said Smith died in his sleep in June and was later cremated. “Essentially, he died of old age,” Skoczulek said. “He had very limited family involvement around his passing, but we assured it was appropriate, met his wishes and was dignified.” Researchers say Smith’s case also highlights the growing challenge of caring for an ageing prison population in the US. Dr Stephanie Prost, a researcher specialising in older adults and prison settings at the University of Louisville, said many prison systems face similar challenges. “We’re not the only jurisdiction that’s facing that ageing-related crisis, because similar issues are percolating in Australia and England,” she said. “It’s an international issue in terms of the population. Although, of course, we have a larger number of individuals in the US.” A 2025 study found that the number of people aged 55 and older in US prisons increased by nearly 400% between 1991 and 2021. Researchers have called for measures such as compassionate release and elderly or medical parole to help address the needs of ageing prisoners. Research has also found that imprisonment can contribute to “accelerated ageing”, with some health conditions developing earlier among people who have spent long periods in prison. Skoczulek said long-term incarceration can have a significant effect on a person’s health. “We frequently say that a person coming from a long period of incarceration can be 60 but have the health status of a 90-year-old,” he said. Smith reportedly experienced dementia towards the end of his life, although Banevicius did not confirm the condition. “He was 101 and a half,” Banevicius said. “He did pretty well as far as longevity is concerned.”

US Tightens Green Card Rules, Introduces Stricter Public Charge Test

August 19, 2026 by admin

The United States will implement stricter public charge assessments for certain green card applicants starting September 18, 2026, under new guidance issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The updated guidance published on USCIS’ website and sighted by PUNCH Online on Wednesday explains how USCIS officers will determine whether an immigrant applying to adjust status to lawful permanent residence is likely at any time to become a public charge. A public charge generally refers to an immigrant who is considered likely to become primarily dependent on government assistance for support. Under the new policy, officers will consider five statutory factors: the applicant’s age, health, family status, assets, resources and financial status, as well as education and skills. “USCIS will review all relevant evidence in an alien’s record and make case-by-case decisions in the totality of the alien’s circumstances,” the agency said. USCIS said officers may also consider other relevant factors, including an applicant’s receipt of means-tested public benefits. For benefits received before September 18, 2026, USCIS said it will consider public cash assistance for income maintenance and long-term institutionalisation at government expense. For benefits received on or after September 18, the agency said it will consider a broader range of means-tested benefits. The changes follow a Department of Homeland Security final rule that rescinds the 2022 public charge regulation. The rule was published in the Federal Register on July 20 and is scheduled to take effect on September 18. USCIS said the updated approach is intended to reflect congressional intent that immigrants in the United States remain self-sufficient and do not depend on taxpayer-funded government benefits. However, not all green card applicants will be affected by the public charge requirement. USCIS maintains exemptions for several categories, including refugees and asylees, certain victims of human trafficking and qualifying criminal activity, special immigrant juveniles and certain Violence Against Women Act self-petitioners. The agency will also continue its public charge bond process. Where an officer finds an applicant inadmissible solely because the person is likely to become a public charge, USCIS may invite the applicant to post a financial bond. USCIS said the amount of the bond will take into account the government assistance the applicant may be eligible for and potentially receive over the following five years. The agency stressed that a public charge determination is not based on a single factor but on the applicant’s overall circumstances. The new guidance will apply to Form I-485 applications subject to the public charge ground of inadmissibility that are postmarked or electronically submitted on or after September 18, 2026.

Tupac Murder Suspect Was Seeking Revenge, Jury Told

August 17, 2026 by admin

Jurors heard Monday that rapper Tupac Shakur was killed in a gang-related revenge attack allegedly ordered by a mobster who later bragged about the crime, as one of the US’s most closely watched trials began three decades after his death. Duane “Keffe D” Davis, a one-time leader of the South Side Compton Crips, one of a patchwork of gangs that ran parts of Los Angeles in the 1990s, ordered the killing after his nephew had been beaten by a rival mob, prosecutor Binu Pilal told a Las Vegas court. “On September 7, 1996, Tupac Shakur publicly, on camera, participated in a humiliating beating of Duane Davis’s nephew, Orlando Anderson,” he said. “Then, two and a half hours later… Tupac is gunned down in a drive-by shooting from a white Cadillac in an act of revenge.” Pilal said Davis did not pull the trigger, but had handed the gun to someone sitting in the back seat of his car and ordered that person to shoot the rapper. In repeated interviews — with law enforcement, with media and ultimately in an autobiography — Davis confessed to his part in the murder, Pilal said. “Over the years, in private interviews, in public statements, and even in private calls, Duane Davis has repeatedly told us over and over again about the anger he felt, and his own role in the revenge drive-by shooting of Tupac Shakur. “And now, nearly 30 years later, we’re going to ask you to finally hold Duane Davis accountable,” he told the jury. Davis, 63, denies all charges in the trial, which could last over a month. If convicted, he faces possible life in prison without parole. East Coast vs West Coast The killing of Shakur, also known as 2Pac, is one of America’s most celebrated cold cases, prompting endless debate among music fans over who did it and why. The rapper, who was just 25 when he died, was a key figure in a hip-hop rivalry pitting the US East Coast against the West Coast. Known for hits like “California Love” and “All Eyez on Me,” Shakur — the son of a Black Panther — was raised in Harlem and Baltimore, but quickly became the epitome of a California bad boy when he signed with Los Angeles-based Death Row Records. The trial will revisit the battle between Death Row, founded by Marion “Suge” Knight, and Bad Boy Records, the East Coast label created by Sean “Diddy” Combs, which signed Christopher “The Notorious B.I.G.” Wallace — who was murdered in March 1997. Prosecutors say Death Row Records was protected by Mob Piru, a Los Angeles gang that was part of the wider Bloods alliance. Knight was affiliated with the group. Bad Boy Records had hired the rival South Side Compton Crips, led by Davis, as bodyguards. Knight and Shakur were in Las Vegas to watch boxer Mike Tyson fight, when they beat up Davis’s nephew, Crips member Orlando “Baby Lane” Anderson, in retribution over an alleged assault of a Death Row employee. Davis was out for revenge, the prosecution says. Later that night, a white Cadillac carrying Davis, Anderson and others pulled up beside Shakur’s car in Las Vegas. Shots were fired from the Cadillac, and Shakur was fatally wounded. The investigation sputtered for decades because of a lack of evidence, but the case was revived when Davis’s memoirs were published in 2019. In the book, he recounted that he was in the front seat of the Cadillac and that he handed a pistol to those in the back seat. But he does not say who opened fire on Shakur. Everyone else who was in the Cadillac that night is now dead. Davis has since backtracked, insisting the claims were bluster and were created by a ghostwriter to sell books. He has pleaded not guilty. AFP

Norway’s King Hospitalised as Crown Prince Assumes Role of Regent

August 17, 2026 by admin

Norway’s King Harald V has been hospitalised following a medical examination, with Crown Prince Haakon assuming the duties of Regent for the next two weeks, according to the Royal House. According to GB News, the 89-year-old monarch was admitted to the National Hospital on Monday after a medical examination, according to a statement from the Royal House. The statement said Harald had been “treated with cortisone for the blood disease hemolytic anemia in recent weeks,” which had led to “fluid accumulation in the body that requires treatment in hospital.” “The King is on sick leave for two weeks “, the Royal House said, adding that “His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is Regent during this period.” The Royal House said it would provide further information on the consequences of the hospitalisation for the royal household’s official programme. It is the second time Harald has been in hospital this month, according to the report. The monarch had visited hospital 10 days earlier for what the Royal House described as a “planned checkup and follow-up with a doctor,” adding that he had been driven there in his own car.

Canada Introduces Special Immigration Measures for Foreign Workers, Students Affected by Disasters

August 12, 2026 by admin

The Canadian government has rolled out temporary special immigration measures to support foreign workers, students and visitors whose lives and immigration situations have been affected by natural disasters across the country. The measures, which run from April 1, 2026, to November 30, 2028, allow eligible temporary residents up to six months to apply to restore their status after losing it, compared with the normal 90-day period. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada on its X handle on Tuesday said the measures are available to people who were directly affected by a natural disaster in Canada and had valid temporary resident status as a worker, student or visitor on the date they were affected. Natural disasters covered by the measures may include wildfires, storms, floods, hurricanes and earthquakes. Eligible workers applying to restore their status are required to submit a signed attestation explaining when and how the disaster affected them. They must also include the code “NaturalDisaster2026” and provide supporting evidence where applicable, including proof that they lived or were temporarily staying in the affected area. Workers may also be required to provide their employer’s name and address and evidence that their workplace was unable to operate because of the disaster. Students applying to restore their status must similarly provide an attestation explaining the impact of the disaster and include the “NaturalDisaster2026” code. They may also need to provide evidence of their residence or temporary stay in the affected area, as well as details of their designated learning institution. Where a school has closed because of a natural disaster, students can provide supporting evidence such as a letter from the institution, an email sent to students or a public notice confirming the closure. IRCC said students whose designated learning institutions are closed because of a disaster may be considered to be on authorised leave. Such students can pause their studies without penalty and may continue working off campus if their study permits allow it. Applicants must still pay the applicable standard fees. The department also said applicants who require urgent processing can submit an IRCC web form after applying. They should select “Request Priority Processing for my existing application” and enter “NaturalDisaster2026” in the section asking them to explain their situation, alongside reasons why their application should be prioritised. The same web form can be used by applicants who need assistance, have questions, or need to update their contact information. IRCC clarified that people who held a Temporary Resident Permit and wish to extend their stay must apply for another temporary resident permit rather than use the restoration measures. The special measures are intended to give disaster-affected temporary residents additional time to regularise their immigration status while dealing with the consequences of major natural disasters.

Ex – Thai Lawmaker Kills Local Official in Dispute Over Finances

August 10, 2026 by admin

A former Thai lawmaker allegedly shot and killed a local government official in broad daylight on Monday following a financial dispute, before being arrested and later confessing to journalists at a police station. The attack took place outside a government building in Nonthaburi province, north of Bangkok, just days after a school shooting in the same region that raised questions over gun control in Thailand. Flanked by police officers following his arrest, former MP Chalong Riewrang told reporters he had tried to talk to local official Thongchai Yenprasert about money. “I followed him to his car and hit his car’s window, saying I want to talk. He said he will not talk, so I pulled my gun,” Chalong admitted, handcuff-free and smoking a cigarette. “I did not aim to shoot, but his driver pulled a gun and pointed it at me so I fired.” Thongchai, who was chairman of the Nonthaburi local government administration, later died of his wounds, according to a hospital director, Sakon Sukprom. He was hit in the neck and lost a lot of blood, the director said. Thongchai’s driver was also shot, wounded in his right arm, but he successfully underwent surgery, Sakon said. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told reporters that no one in Thailand except on-duty officials was legally allowed to carry a gun in public, noting the last gun-carry licences were issued three years ago and were only valid for one year. Anutin said authorities will pursue “full legal action” against Chalong, a former member of the prime minister’s party. “No matter who he is, he is now a murderer,” Anutin said. – Private issue – Chalong had confessed to being the sole shooter during the incident, but “both sides had guns”, regional police commander Wattana Yeechin told reporters earlier. A firearm was found in Thongchai’s vehicle but had not been used, while CCTV footage showed only Chalong firing his weapon from close range, he added. Wattana said the dispute was over several million baht (tens of thousands of dollars). “It was a private issue. According to his confession, it was about money that the… chairman borrowed from him for several years, and he asked for the return of the money several times,” he said. Nonthaburi governor Chestha Mosikarat earlier told reporters the suspect and victim were “friends for a long time” and the incident likely stemmed from a misunderstanding. Thailand has one of the highest rates of gun ownership in the region, with around 10 million firearms estimated to be in circulation — roughly one for every seven inhabitants. On Friday, a 14-year-old boy shot dead the grandparents who raised him in Nonthaburi before killing six others at his school and then turning the gun on himself. Officials have since promised stricter gun laws, but previous pledges have failed to prevent repeated shootings. AFP

BREAKING: Lionel Messi’s Father, Jorge, Dies at 68

August 8, 2026 by admin

Jorge Messi, the father and longtime representative of Argentina captain Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68, according to MARCA, which cited Argentine news outlet Infobae. An independent check by PUNCH Online on Infobae and multiple other media sources disclosed that Jorge died at about 10 pm on Friday at a sanatorium in Rosario, Argentina, following a prolonged illness. Jorge, who was married to Celia Cuccittini and had four children, Lionel, Rodrigo, Matias, and Maria Sol, played a major role in his son’s rise from a young player at Newell’s Old Boys to one of football’s biggest stars. He was particularly instrumental in securing medical treatment for Lionel when the youngster required growth hormone therapy. After efforts to secure the treatment in Argentina proved unsuccessful, Jorge helped arrange his son’s move to Barcelona at the age of 13. He later stayed with Lionel in Spain during the early and difficult stages of his European adventure while the rest of the family remained in Rosario. Recalling that period in a 2007 interview, Lionel said his father had asked whether he wanted to continue pursuing his dream in Spain or return home. “My old man was always by my side. We lived through many bad moments,” Messi recalled. He added, “My old man asked me, what do you want to do, do you want to continue or shall we go back? I wanted to continue and he stayed with me.” That decision became a defining moment in the footballer’s career as Messi went on to establish himself at Barcelona and eventually become one of the most decorated players in football history. Jorge also became a key figure in managing his son’s affairs away from the pitch, including negotiations with major global brands. Despite his prominent role in Messi’s career, Jorge largely avoided the spotlight and gave only a handful of interviews over the years. In one of those interviews, he delivered an emotional message to his son as Lionel was beginning to emerge as a global football star. “You know very well that we have gone through many good and not-so-good moments,” Jorge said. He added that those difficult experiences had helped strengthen the family and told his son that, beyond being a great footballer, he believed Lionel was “an excellent person”. Jorge’s health had attracted attention during the 2026 World Cup after Lionel became emotional following Argentina’s opening match. After scoring a hat-trick, Messi was asked about his reaction and said, “It is for a reason completely unrelated to sport. I had some difficult, complicated days.” Asked later about the family situation, Messi said, “The truth is, more than anything, because of the family.” The Messi family subsequently said Jorge was “under medical supervision, recovering and progressing favourably within the condition he presents”. Jorge was trained as a chemical technician and began working at Acindar, an Argentine steel company, in the 1980s, eventually becoming a manager. He had also pursued football as a youngster, playing as a midfielder in Newell’s youth system before leaving the sport after being called up for military service. His death marks the loss of a figure who remained largely behind the scenes but was central to the development and management of Lionel Messi’s extraordinary career.