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Just the Facts, from multiple news sources.

World News

Comprehensive coverage of international news and global events

Why is Republika Srpska’s presidential vote so important?

Why is Republika Srpska’s presidential vote so important?

Summary

Republika Srpska, a part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is having a special presidential election. This election is happening because the previous leader faced accusations of going against the Dayton Peace Accords.

Key Facts

  • Republika Srpska is an autonomous region within Bosnia and Herzegovina.
  • A snap presidential election means it was called suddenly, not during the regular schedule.
  • The former leader of Republika Srpska was accused of undermining the Dayton Peace Accords.
  • The Dayton Peace Accords were agreements made in 1995 to help end the conflict in Bosnia.
  • The outcome of this election could be significant for the region's stability and politics.
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Red Cross to cut 2,900 jobs, slash budget as donors reduce support

Red Cross to cut 2,900 jobs, slash budget as donors reduce support

Summary

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is reducing its budget by nearly 20% and cutting 2,900 jobs due to decreased support from global donors. This trend is part of a larger shift where countries are focusing more on defense spending, impacting overall humanitarian aid. Despite the cuts, the ICRC will continue its operations in conflict zones like Sudan, Ukraine, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Key Facts

  • The ICRC will cut its budget by nearly one-fifth and remove 2,900 jobs by 2026.
  • The organization's new budget will be $2.2 billion.
  • The United States is the largest donor to the ICRC but has reduced its contributions.
  • Other key donors like the United Kingdom and Germany have also cut their funding.
  • About 15% of the ICRC's workforce will be affected, including 200 jobs in Geneva.
  • The ICRC will merge departments and focus on frontline conflict operations to maintain its mission.
  • The organization supports civilians in conflict zones, visits prisoners of war, and acts as a neutral intermediary.
  • Despite reduced funding, the ICRC will continue working in places like Sudan, Ukraine, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
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Watch: Pope Leo to US students: Don't let AI do your homework

Watch: Pope Leo to US students: Don't let AI do your homework

Summary

Pope Leo XIV, speaking via video from the Vatican, addressed a large group of American Catholics at a youth conference in Indianapolis. He advised students not to rely on artificial intelligence (AI) for their homework. This was part of a broader discussion on the ethical use and governance of AI.

Key Facts

  • Pope Leo XIV is the first US-born pope.
  • He spoke to 15,000 American Catholics during a youth conference in Indianapolis.
  • His advice included urging students not to use AI for homework.
  • Pope Leo has previously talked about the ethical challenges of AI.
  • In a June speech, he emphasized the need for ongoing discussions about AI's ethical use.
  • The session included questions about the Catholic faith and making friends.
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Watch: New Submarine-Hunting Underwater Drones Undergo Tests in Baltic Sea

Watch: New Submarine-Hunting Underwater Drones Undergo Tests in Baltic Sea

Summary

New underwater drones called GreyShark are being tested in the Baltic Sea to detect submarines and protect undersea cables. These drones can operate independently without human guidance and are attracting interest from several European NATO countries. NATO is strengthening its anti-submarine capabilities in the region due to recent undersea threats and tensions with Russia.

Key Facts

  • GreyShark drones are being tested to find submarines and protect underwater cables in the Baltic Sea.
  • They can work for up to four months at sea on one deployment.
  • Different versions of the drones include Foxtrot, a long-endurance type, and Bravo, a shorter-range model.
  • The drones are autonomous, meaning they can operate without needing human control.
  • NATO countries are interested in the drones to enhance security in the Baltic region.
  • Suspicious damage to cables and pipelines in late 2024 raised security concerns in the area.
  • NATO has been increasing its resources in the Baltic Sea to counter potential threats, especially from Russia.
  • The majority of global data is carried through undersea cables.
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Zelenskyy says US peace plan puts Ukraine in difficult bind

Zelenskyy says US peace plan puts Ukraine in difficult bind

Summary

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine stated that Ukraine will work with the US and Europe on a peace plan with Russia. He mentioned that the US proposal includes significant concessions to Russia, putting Ukraine in a challenging position.

Key Facts

  • President Zelenskyy spoke with US Vice President JD Vance about a peace plan.
  • Ukraine agreed to collaborate with the US and Europe on this peace plan.
  • The US peace plan proposes significant concessions to Russia.
  • Zelenskyy described the situation as one of Ukraine's most difficult moments.
  • The focus is on finding a resolution to the conflict with Russia.
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What are Eurovision's new rules after Israel voting controversy?

What are Eurovision's new rules after Israel voting controversy?

Summary

The Eurovision Song Contest has introduced new rules following a voting controversy involving Israel. These changes aim to improve transparency and fairness in the event's voting process.

Key Facts

  • The Eurovision Song Contest changed its rules after a voting issue with Israel.
  • The changes focus on making the voting process more clear and fair.
  • The Eurovision Song Contest is a big event where countries compete by sending musical acts.
  • Controversies like this can affect trust in the contest's results.
  • The new rules are meant to prevent similar issues in future contests.
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Palestinians forced from West Bank refugee camps left in limbo as Israeli demolitions go on

Palestinians forced from West Bank refugee camps left in limbo as Israeli demolitions go on

Summary

Thousands of Palestinians remain displaced from West Bank refugee camps due to ongoing Israeli military operations. These operations, aimed at targeting armed groups, have led to extensive destruction in the camps. Human Rights Watch has criticized the actions as potential war crimes.

Key Facts

  • About 32,000 Palestinians have been displaced from refugee camps in the West Bank.
  • Israeli military operations began in late January, targeting armed groups.
  • The operations have mainly affected Nur Shams, Tulkarm, and Jenin camps.
  • Human Rights Watch claims these evacuations could constitute war crimes.
  • The Israeli government says the demolitions were to open new access routes.
  • The displaced residents are uncertain when or if they can return to their homes.
  • Reports state that around 850 homes and buildings have been demolished in the camps.
  • Israeli Defense Minister mentioned preparations for a prolonged military presence in cleared camps.
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India implements sweeping labour reforms despite union opposition

India implements sweeping labour reforms despite union opposition

Summary

India is making major changes to its labor laws by introducing four new codes to replace 29 older laws. These changes aim to modernize regulations, improve worker protections, and encourage job growth. Some trade unions oppose the changes, fearing a loss of workers' rights.

Key Facts

  • India will implement four new labor codes to update old regulations.
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi aims to provide better social security, timely pay, and safer workplaces.
  • The new rules allow women to work night shifts and adjust layoffs approvals.
  • The changes hope to attract more investment by reducing bureaucratic complexities.
  • The government estimates the gig economy could grow to over 23 million workers by 2030.
  • Trade unions oppose the reforms, claiming they might reduce workers' rights.
  • The reforms were approved in 2020 but stalled until now due to political resistance.
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Zelensky warns Ukraine risks losing US support over White House peace plan

Zelensky warns Ukraine risks losing US support over White House peace plan

Summary

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky cautioned that Ukraine might lose U.S. support over a U.S. peace plan to end the conflict with Russia. The proposed plan suggests Ukraine give up some eastern regions and not join NATO, which Kyiv has previously refused. President Donald Trump supports a timeline for Ukraine to agree to this plan, as tensions and discussions continue.

Key Facts

  • President Zelensky warned that the peace plan could lead to Ukraine losing U.S. support.
  • The plan suggests Ukraine should concede control over parts of the eastern regions and not join NATO.
  • Russian President Putin calls the proposed plan a possible "basis" for peace.
  • President Trump mentioned giving Ukraine a deadline until Thanksgiving to agree to the plan.
  • The U.S. has sent senior officials to Kyiv to push for the plan's acceptance.
  • Zelensky has sought continuous support from the UK, France, and Germany.
  • Discussions involved Zelensky, U.S. Vice-President JD Vance, and Army Secretary Dan Driscoll.
  • The plan was reportedly prepared in consultation with Ukraine's top security official, Rustem Umerov.
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News Wrap: Coast Guard will again classify swastikas as hate symbols

News Wrap: Coast Guard will again classify swastikas as hate symbols

Summary

The Coast Guard has decided to classify swastikas and nooses as hate symbols. Gunmen in Nigeria kidnapped students from a Catholic school. The U.S. Department of Transportation introduced a new crash test dummy designed to better represent the female body.

Key Facts

  • The Coast Guard will classify swastikas and nooses as hate symbols again.
  • The Coast Guard had previously called these symbols "potentially divisive."
  • In Nigeria, gunmen kidnapped students from a Catholic school.
  • The U.S. Department of Transportation has released a new crash test dummy that is made to resemble the female body more accurately.
  • Mexico's Fátima Bosch Fernández won the Miss Universe title.
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Zelenskyy faces pressure from Trump to accept his Ukraine peace plan

Zelenskyy faces pressure from Trump to accept his Ukraine peace plan

Summary

President Trump wants Ukraine to accept his peace plan by next Thursday. The plan includes concessions that Ukraine has not agreed to before, and President Zelenskyy is weighing the risks involved in accepting it.

Key Facts

  • President Trump is urging Ukraine to accept his peace plan by next Thursday.
  • The plan requires Ukraine to make concessions it has previously refused.
  • President Zelenskyy of Ukraine is considering the implications of the plan.
  • Zelenskyy is concerned about losing either a major partner or what Ukraine has fought for.
  • Stephanie Sy provided a report on this issue, and Amna Nawaz and Richard Haass discussed it further.
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Deadly earthquake shocks Bangladesh, hundreds injured

Deadly earthquake shocks Bangladesh, hundreds injured

Summary

A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 5.7 hit central Bangladesh. It resulted in the deaths of at least nine people and injured more than 300 others. Many buildings, including those in the capital, Dhaka, suffered damage.

Key Facts

  • A magnitude 5.7 earthquake occurred in central Bangladesh.
  • The earthquake led to at least nine deaths.
  • Over 300 people were injured due to the earthquake.
  • The capital city of Dhaka experienced building damage.
  • The government of Bangladesh provided these details.
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Peers trying to block assisted dying, claims MP behind bill

Peers trying to block assisted dying, claims MP behind bill

Summary

A bill to legalize assisted dying in England and Wales is facing delays in the House of Lords, with many proposed changes slowing its progress. The bill passed a vote in the House of Commons, but must be approved by both Houses of Parliament to become law. The delay is partly because the bill was introduced by a backbench MP, which means it could run out of time for debate unless more sessions are scheduled.

Key Facts

  • The bill aims to legalize assisted dying in England and Wales.
  • It passed an important vote in the House of Commons in June.
  • The House of Lords has proposed over 1,000 amendments to the bill.
  • So far, peers have discussed fewer than 30 amendments in committee sessions.
  • The bill's passage is slow because it's a backbench bill, not a government-sponsored one.
  • There is concern that the bill might run out of debating time unless more sessions are allocated.
  • A similar bill failed to pass in 2014, partly because it didn't have Commons approval.
  • Legalizing assisted dying was not part of any major party's manifesto in the last general election.
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At least 67 Palestinian children killed in Gaza since ‘ceasefire’ began: UN

At least 67 Palestinian children killed in Gaza since ‘ceasefire’ began: UN

Summary

At least 67 Palestinian children have died in the Gaza Strip since a ceasefire began, according to UNICEF. The deaths resulted from continued violence between Israel and Hamas, despite the truce agreement. UNICEF and other humanitarian groups highlight a severe humanitarian crisis affecting children in Gaza.

Key Facts

  • At least 67 children have been killed in Gaza since the ceasefire began, as reported by UNICEF.
  • A baby girl was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Khan Younis, southern Gaza.
  • The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas started on October 11, 2023.
  • UNICEF estimates that 64,000 children have been killed or injured in the conflict since October 2023.
  • Save the Children reported that about 475 Palestinian children suffer lifelong disabilities monthly due to the conflict.
  • Israel has been accused of using starvation as a tactic, worsening the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
  • Israeli military continues airstrikes in response to claimed attacks, with more than 30 people killed recently.
  • Humanitarian groups report severe challenges, including children lacking adequate shelter and food supplies.
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FAA Warns Pilots of Threats in Venezuela Airspace as US Tensions Grow

FAA Warns Pilots of Threats in Venezuela Airspace as US Tensions Grow

Summary

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has advised pilots to be careful when flying over Venezuela due to growing security threats and military activity in the area. The U.S. is increasing its military presence near Venezuela as part of ongoing tensions with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, whom the U.S. does not recognize as the country’s legitimate leader.

Key Facts

  • The FAA issued a warning for pilots about potential risks in Venezuelan airspace.
  • The warning is due to increased military activity and unspecified threats in the region.
  • The U.S. is enhancing its military presence in the Caribbean near Venezuela.
  • This includes deploying the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and several destroyers.
  • The U.S. is also conducting operations against drug trafficking networks in the area.
  • Mary Schiavo, a former official, noted that such warnings are standard in unstable times.
  • The FAA's notice will remain in effect for 90 days.
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NATO States Weighing New Underwater Drones

NATO States Weighing New Underwater Drones

Summary

Several European NATO countries are thinking about buying new underwater drones called GreyShark to protect important infrastructure and detect Russian submarines. The drones, made by German companies, can collect information and help fight submarines. NATO countries are increasing their defense spending to buy new military tools.

Key Facts

  • NATO members are considering purchasing GreyShark drones for their navies.
  • The drones are developed by German companies, EUROATLAS and EvoLogics.
  • GreyShark drones can gather intelligence, detect mines, and engage submarines.
  • The drones come in two versions: a shorter-range Bravo and a longer-lasting Foxtrot.
  • Trials for the drones are happening in the Baltic Sea, near northern Germany.
  • NATO aims to boost defense spending to enhance military equipment.
  • The German navy is interested in acquiring the GreyShark drones.
  • Increased NATO defense spending follows President Trump's policies to reduce European reliance on U.S. military support.
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Judge me at next election, Starmer tells doubters

Judge me at next election, Starmer tells doubters

Summary

Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, urged voters to judge his leadership at the next general election, acknowledging ongoing challenges faced by his government. He emphasized progress on cost-of-living issues and improvements in public services but admitted more work is needed. The government is preparing for a tough Budget and dealing with speculation about a potential leadership challenge.

Key Facts

  • Sir Keir Starmer asked voters to evaluate his performance at the next general election.
  • He acknowledged that his government has made some progress, especially on cost-of-living issues.
  • There is criticism and speculation about a possible challenge to his leadership.
  • The government is facing a difficult Budget, with potential tax increases expected.
  • Some opinion polls suggest Starmer is currently unpopular.
  • Starmer insists he will lead Labour into the next general election, likely in 2029.
  • There were allegations of a toxic environment within No 10, though Starmer denied involvement.
  • Concerns continue over the government's approach and handling of issues.
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Welcome to Derry Episode 5 – Release Date, Schedule, How To Watch

Welcome to Derry Episode 5 – Release Date, Schedule, How To Watch

Summary

Episode five of "Welcome to Derry" will be released on November 23, 2025, and can be watched on HBO and streamed on Max. The show airs on Sundays, and viewers will need a subscription to access Max. The episode is titled "Neibolt Street," but further details are currently unavailable.

Key Facts

  • "Welcome to Derry" episode five airs on November 23, 2025, at 9 pm ET/PT.
  • The show is available on HBO and for streaming on Max.
  • To watch it on Max, a subscription is required, costing $9.99/month with ads or $16.99/month without ads.
  • "Welcome to Derry" episodes have runtimes between 54 and 66 minutes, though the exact time for episode five is not specified.
  • The release schedule for the series shows new episodes every Sunday.
  • Episode five is titled "Neibolt Street," but no further plot details are provided.
  • The release times for different countries vary, for example, BRT at 1:00 am and AET at 3:00 pm on November 24.
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How are Palestinians from Gaza ending up in South Africa?

How are Palestinians from Gaza ending up in South Africa?

Summary

A group of Palestinians arrived in South Africa on a charter flight. There are questions about whether their departure from Gaza was voluntary.

Key Facts

  • A charter flight brought Palestinians from Gaza to South Africa.
  • The flight landing raises questions about the voluntary nature of their journey.
  • The reasons behind the Palestinians' departure from Gaza are not entirely clear.
  • South Africa served as the destination for these Palestinians.
  • The circumstances surrounding their escape from Gaza are under scrutiny.
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BBC board member resigns and criticises 'governance issues' at top of corporation

BBC board member resigns and criticises 'governance issues' at top of corporation

Summary

A BBC board member, Shumeet Banerji, resigned, citing governance issues within the organization. Banerji criticized the lack of consultation regarding the recent resignations of top BBC executives following a controversial news edit involving President Donald Trump's speech. The BBC board faces scrutiny amid concerns about its management and political influences.

Key Facts

  • Shumeet Banerji, a member of the BBC board, resigned over governance concerns.
  • Banerji mentioned he wasn't consulted about events leading to the resignations of Director General Tim Davie and BBC News chief executive Deborah Turness.
  • The resignations followed controversy over a BBC program that inaccurately edited a speech by President Donald Trump.
  • The BBC board is responsible for guiding the organization's direction and strategy.
  • Banerji's resignation highlights criticism toward the board's chairman, Samir Shah, and other members.
  • Parliament raised questions about the political appointments on the BBC board.
  • A leaked document claimed the BBC has issues with its coverage of certain topics, which was denied by the former executives.
  • The BBC acknowledged an editing error that misrepresented President Trump but rejected his demand for financial compensation.
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