In South Africa, shamans are using psychedelic drugs, which are illegal, for treating mental health issues despite facing serious legal risks. They claim these drugs help with conditions like depression and anxiety, although there are concerns about using them outside of a controlled medical setting. This use is happening as interest in psychedelics grows due to research into their potential benefits.
Key Facts
Psychedelic drugs are illegal in South Africa, but some shamans use them for therapy.
Using these drugs commercially can lead to a fine, up to 25 years in prison, or both.
A session with a shaman in Cape Town can cost around $2,000, including support services.
The drugs used include psilocybin (magic mushrooms) and MDMA (ecstasy).
There is ongoing research about psychedelics' effectiveness for mental health, but it's risky outside clinical settings.
Self-appointed healers like Megan Hardy administer the drugs without formal medical training.
The popularity of psychedelics for mental health issues is growing globally.
The ceremony observed by the BBC involved various rituals meant to treat negative energy.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump announced that the war in Gaza is over as he travels to Israel to facilitate the release of hostages under a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. He praised Israeli and Qatari leaders for their roles in the negotiations and plans to attend a summit in Egypt to further peace efforts. The ceasefire follows a conflict that began with Hamas-led attacks on Israel, resulting in significant casualties on both sides.
Key Facts
President Trump stated the conflict in Gaza is over following a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
Trump is traveling to Israel to assist in the release of hostages held in Gaza.
The ceasefire started on Friday after a 20-point peace plan was agreed upon.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Qatar played key roles in achieving the ceasefire.
The war initially began on October 7, 2023, with attacks on southern Israel by Hamas.
Over 67,000 Palestinians have reportedly died due to the conflict, according to Hamas authorities.
An international summit in Egypt aims to sign a document formally ending the Gaza war.
Aid is entering Gaza, but UNICEF and the UN report that more is needed to address the humanitarian crisis.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Trump announced that the war in Gaza has ended and mentioned that a ceasefire is in place, which he helped achieve. He is traveling to Israel to oversee the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners and plans to meet with leaders and affected families. Trump believes the ceasefire will last because both sides are tired of fighting.
Key Facts
President Trump announced the end of the Gaza war and brokered a ceasefire.
He traveled to Israel, as part of a Middle East trip, to oversee the release of hostages.
Hamas is releasing 20 live Israeli hostages and 28 bodies, including two Americans.
Israel will release 1,950 Palestinians, including 250 who served life sentences.
Trump plans to spend less than five hours in Israel and will speak at the Knesset.
After Israel, Trump will travel to Egypt for a conference to support his peace plan.
Leaders from Arab, Muslim, and European countries will attend the conference.
The ceasefire agreement has support from many in the region.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
French President Emmanuel Macron has formed a new government with Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu at the helm, ahead of a deadline to submit the 2026 draft budget to parliament. The newly appointed cabinet faces challenges, including a lack of party support and disagreements over austerity measures. Macron is also dealing with domestic unrest and a complicated political landscape.
Key Facts
French President Macron announced a new government led by Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu.
The lineup features Jean-Noel Barrot as foreign minister and Catherine Vautrin as defence minister.
France needs to present the draft budget for 2026 to parliament soon.
The right-wing Republicans party will not join the government, opting to cooperate on specific bills.
Lecornu's previous government collapsed, leading to his resignation and immediate reappointment.
France faces political deadlock due to disagreements over budget cuts and public debt concerns.
Socialists and other parties have threatened to oppose the government if pension reforms continue.
Macron is dealing with domestic protests and will travel to Egypt to support a Gaza ceasefire.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Protesters in Portland, Oregon, held an "emergency" World Naked Bike Ride to oppose President Trump's immigration enforcement policies and plans to use the National Guard. They gathered at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building despite the rain and cold weather. This event highlights the conflict between local and federal authorities over immigration and law enforcement.
Key Facts
The protest was an emergency edition of Portland's World Naked Bike Ride, usually held in summer.
The event opposed President Trump's immigration policies and potential National Guard deployment.
Riders cycled to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building.
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals is involved in a legal battle about deploying federalized National Guard troops.
The protest highlighted tensions between Portland's local government and federal authorities.
The World Naked Bike Ride has been a tradition in Portland since 2004.
Weather reduced the usual level of full nudity for this ride, but some riders participated in minimal clothing.
Protesters employed creative methods, such as wearing inflatable costumes, to make their point.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Chinese authorities have arrested a Christian pastor, Ezra Jin, and many members of his church, Zion Church. This action is part of a larger crackdown on underground religious groups not registered with the government. Zion Church previously faced a shutdown in 2018 and has since operated through online and in-person gatherings across China.
Key Facts
Pastor Ezra Jin and multiple church members were arrested in China for being part of an unregistered church.
Zion Church is a large underground Christian group with locations all over China.
The arrest happened in the Guangxi region, and the pastor's daughter, Grace Jin Drexel, is a U.S. citizen.
More than 30 people from the church have been detained, and some are facing criminal charges, including spreading religious information online.
The Chinese government has a history of arresting leaders of underground religious groups not sanctioned by the state.
Zion Church was shut down in 2018 but later resumed through a mix of online and physical meetings.
The church and its representatives are appealing to the global Christian community to urge the Chinese government to release those detained.
Christianity and Islam are viewed by the Chinese government as foreign influences, leading to scrutiny and actions against religious figures.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
On October 7, 2023, 251 people were taken hostage during Hamas attacks on Israel. Currently, 48 Israeli and foreign hostages remain, with 20 believed to be alive and expected to be released soon under a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. The article details the identities and stories of these hostages.
Key Facts
On October 7, 2023, Hamas militants kidnapped 251 people during an attack on Israel.
Israeli officials say that out of the 48 hostages still held, 20 are believed to be alive.
A ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas includes the expected release of these 20 hostages.
One of the hostages mentioned is Alon Ohel, a musician, taken from the Nova music festival.
Brothers Ariel and David Cunio were also abducted, though their families were freed earlier.
Avinatan Or, a high-tech worker, was captured at the festival and signaled his family in 2025.
The hostages have been held for over two years, and their stories feature in both Israeli and international media.
The article describes personal and emotional struggles of hostages' families during this period.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Palestinian journalist Saleh Aljafarawi was killed during clashes in Gaza City shortly after a ceasefire agreement. He was shot while reporting in the Sabra neighborhood, amid ongoing tensions between local groups. The incident highlights continuing security challenges in Gaza despite the recent ceasefire.
Key Facts
Saleh Aljafarawi, a Palestinian journalist, was killed in Gaza City.
He was shot by members of an armed group while reporting in Sabra.
Aljafarawi was known for his videos on the war in Gaza.
The clashes involved Hamas security forces and a group called the Doghmush clan.
Aljafarawi had been missing since Sunday morning.
Over 270 journalists have died in Gaza since October 2023.
A ceasefire in Gaza has been in place for three days.
A summit in Egypt aims to address the Gaza conflict and enhance regional peace.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi will lead a summit in Egypt to discuss peace in the Gaza region. Leaders from over 20 countries will attend to address the ongoing conflict and work toward peace and stability in the Middle East. The event occurs just after the expected release of hostages as part of Trump's peace plan.
Key Facts
President Trump and President el-Sisi will co-chair the summit in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula.
The summit aims to resolve conflict in Gaza and promote Middle Eastern peace and security.
More than 20 world leaders are expected to attend, including representatives from France, Turkey, and Jordan.
The summit takes place after Hamas plans to release 20 hostages, in line with Trump's peace plan.
Israel's recent military actions in Gaza have resulted in significant displacement and loss of life.
President Trump discussed the hostages' release with their families before the summit.
Invitations were extended to Iran, but they declined to attend due to tensions with Israel.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Heavy rainfall from two tropical storms in central and southeastern Mexico has caused flooding and landslides, resulting in at least 44 deaths. Around 320,000 people experienced power outages, and thousands of homes were damaged. Rescue operations are ongoing with military support.
Key Facts
Flooding in Mexico has resulted in at least 44 deaths.
Five states, including Veracruz and Puebla, are affected.
18 people died in Veracruz, 16 in Hidalgo, 9 in Puebla, and 1 in Queretaro.
Approximately 320,000 people have faced power outages.
At least 16,000 homes have been damaged.
The Mexican military is helping with rescue and aid efforts.
Heavy rains this year are partly due to remnants of Hurricane Priscilla and Tropical Rainstorm Raymond.
Floods and landslides are ongoing concerns with more bad weather expected.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Israel has detained tens of thousands of Palestinians, mostly without formal charges. As part of a ceasefire with Hamas, about 2,000 detainees are expected to be released. Allegations of mistreatment and concerns about legality have been raised regarding Israel's actions.
Key Facts
Tens of thousands of Palestinians are held in Israeli jails, often without being formally charged.
A ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas includes the release of about 2,000 Palestinian detainees.
There have been longstanding claims of mistreatment of detainees by Israeli forces.
International law and Israeli laws are at the center of legal debates about the arrests and treatment of prisoners.
Israel's actions during the conflict in Gaza have included mass detentions.
Discussions involve representatives from human rights organizations questioning the legality and ethics of these detentions.
The topic is being discussed by various experts, including those from Physicians for Human Rights-Israel and Human Rights Watch.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump traveled to Israel and Egypt to oversee the exchange of hostages as part of a peace deal with Hamas. He announced that the war with Hamas is over and highlighted global excitement about the peace process.
Key Facts
President Trump left for Israel and Egypt to manage the exchange of hostages.
This exchange is part of the peace process with Hamas.
President Trump declared the end of the war with Hamas.
He mentioned that people worldwide, including Muslim and Arab nations, are celebrating the peace effort.
Trump emphasized it as a unique and historic event.
The story is ongoing, with more updates expected.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A ceasefire deal for the conflict in Gaza has been agreed upon after talks involving the Israeli government and Hamas, with the help of a U.S.-brokered negotiation involving President Donald Trump. People in the West Bank hope that this agreement will lead to a better future for Palestinians. Some residents of Ramallah shared these hopes with the BBC, expressing a desire for unity.
Key Facts
A ceasefire deal for the Gaza conflict was recently agreed upon.
The deal was negotiated between the Israeli government and Hamas.
U.S. President Donald Trump was personally involved in brokering the deal.
The ceasefire came into effect on a Friday.
People living in the West Bank hope the ceasefire might help unite Palestinians.
Residents in Ramallah shared their optimism about the deal with the BBC.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A storm caused by the remnants of Typhoon Halong hit Western Alaska, leaving 20 people missing as homes floated away due to heavy flooding. The affected areas include places like Kwigillingok and Kipnuk, where widespread destruction occurred, prompting a state disaster declaration.
Key Facts
Twenty people are missing after a storm hit Kwigillingok in Western Alaska.
The storm caused homes to float away and forced evacuations due to flooding.
Governor Mike Dunleavy declared a state disaster to provide assistance.
The Alaska National Guard is conducting joint search and rescue efforts.
The storm affected areas from Utqiaġvik to Wales, causing record flood levels.
The National Weather Service issued ongoing flood warnings for the region.
No injuries were reported, but the storm damaged properties significantly.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump has warned Russia that he may send long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine if Russia does not end its conflict there soon. This statement came after discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in which they talked about strengthening Ukraine's defenses. Russia has expressed concern about this possibility and its potential impact on relations with the United States.
Key Facts
President Trump warned Russia about possibly sending Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine.
He spoke about this potential action while on Air Force One heading to Israel.
Trump discussed this option with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in a phone call.
Russia has attacked Ukraine's power grid and is concerned about U.S. weapons aid.
Tomahawk missiles could let Ukraine strike deeper into Russian territory.
Russia expressed "extreme concern" over the potential supply of these missiles.
Trump recently took a tougher stance with Putin and suggested Ukraine might regain lost territory.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Clashes in Gaza City between Hamas and members of the Dughmush clan resulted in 27 deaths. The fighting occurred when Hamas security forces tried to detain armed clan members, leading to a violent confrontation. Residents fled the area due to the conflict between Hamas and the Dughmush family, which has had a tense history with the ruling group in Gaza.
Key Facts
At least 27 people died in the clashes between Hamas forces and the Dughmush family in Gaza City.
Hamas aimed to detain armed members of the Dughmush clan, leading to an exchange of gunfire.
The conflict took place near the former Jordanian hospital in Gaza City's Tel al-Hawa neighborhood.
The fighting led to panic and displacement among residents, many of whom fled their homes.
The Hamas-run interior ministry reported eight of its fighters were killed in what it called an "armed assault by a militia."
The Dughmush clan has a history of tense relations and prior clashes with Hamas.
Hamas claims the Dughmush family killed two of its fighters, prompting their operation.
Hamas has recalled approximately 7,000 security forces to maintain control following Israeli troop withdrawals.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
In Ecuador, there have been significant protests in the capital, Quito, over increased fuel prices due to the removal of a fuel subsidy. These demonstrations have led to confrontations with police, including the use of tear gas, to manage crowds. President Daniel Noboa has declared a state of emergency to control the situation.
Key Facts
Protesters are upset about the removal of a fuel subsidy, which increased diesel prices from $1.80 to $2.80 per gallon.
The protests began 21 days ago, led by Ecuador's largest Indigenous organization.
Demonstrations have turned violent, with one person killed, dozens injured, and over a hundred arrested.
President Noboa declared a state of emergency in 10 provinces, limiting public gatherings.
Police have used tear gas to disperse protesters in Quito.
President Noboa cites the need to reduce subsidies to improve the economy and prevent fuel smuggling.
Despite these challenges, protests continue, especially impacting Indigenous people involved in agriculture, fishing, and transport.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Voters in Frankfurt an der Oder, a city in eastern Germany, participated in a run-off mayoral election where the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has the opportunity to win its first mayoral seat in a German city. Independent candidate Axel Strasser and AfD's Wilko Moller, who were top in the first voting round, went head-to-head. The election occurred shortly after Germany's parliament stripped two AfD lawmakers of their parliamentary immunity due to legal issues.
Key Facts
The election was in Frankfurt an der Oder, a city near the Polish border, not to be confused with Frankfurt am Main.
The run-off was between Axel Strasser (Independent) and Wilko Moller (AfD), with Strasser getting 32.4% of votes and Moller receiving 30.2% in the first round.
AfD is the largest opposition party in Germany's parliament and known for its far-right views.
Two AfD lawmakers recently lost their parliamentary immunity—one due to defamation charges, the other for making an illegal Nazi salute.
The German Association of Towns and Municipalities states there are no AfD-affiliated mayors in major German cities.
The Brandenburg domestic intelligence labels the AfD a confirmed far-right extremist group, a classification the party disputes.
AfD is under surveillance by German authorities, leading to debates about potentially banning the party.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized the extremist classification, and Germany's government responded by emphasizing the importance of stopping right-wing extremism.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump's peace plan for Gaza is nearing the end of its first phase, with Israel and Hamas preparing to exchange hostages and prisoners as part of a ceasefire. This deal involves Israel releasing around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in return for 20 Israeli hostages. As this takes place, aid deliveries to Gaza are increasing, helping people affected by recent conflicts.
Key Facts
President Trump's peace plan for the Gaza region is in the final stages of its first phase.
Israel and Hamas will exchange prisoners: 20 Israeli hostages for about 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
The ceasefire during this exchange has allowed more humanitarian aid to enter Gaza.
The hostages have been held since an attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023.
President Trump will visit the region on Monday morning local time.
The exchange marks a significant effort toward reaching a lasting peace agreement.
There have been previous temporary cease-fires, but this is the most substantial action so far.
Humanitarian groups are preparing to increase food and aid deliveries in Gaza.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A large fire destroyed more than a dozen houses in Lima, Peru. Local media report that the fire might have started in an illegal fireworks warehouse. No deaths have been reported.
Key Facts
The fire occurred in the San Juan de Miraflores neighborhood of Lima, Peru.
Over a dozen homes were destroyed by the fire.
No fatalities have been reported from the incident.
The cause of the fire is suspected to be an illegal fireworks warehouse.
Drone footage shows smoke and flames spreading through the area.
The incident took place recently and was covered by local media.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
