Iniaes

In Russia and Ukraine

An overnight exchange of Russian and Ukrainian drones and missiles killed at least 12 people, as long-range attacks intensify while talks remain stalled. Ukraine has expanded strikes targeting Russian military industry and energy infrastructure, while Russia continues its campaign against Ukrainian targets.

At Romania’s border

Romania says NATO fighter jets shot down an unauthorized drone that entered its airspace. The incident underscores the risk of the war’s aerial campaign spilling across the alliance’s eastern frontier.

In Gaza

Israel’s far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, called for killings in Gaza every night, directing the statement at Palestinians in the territory. The remarks add to alarm over rhetoric from a senior member of Israel’s government amid the continuing war.

In Hawaii

Tropical Storm Lala is moving west across Hawaii after weakening from a hurricane near the Big Island. Heavy rain, strong winds, and flooding have affected parts of the island chain from Maui and Oahu toward Kauai.

In U.S. security

The FBI is investigating how a North Korean remote IT worker secured a job with an unidentified U.S. federal agency before being found in July. North Korea has repeatedly used overseas technology workers to earn money, evade sanctions, and seek access to foreign organizations.

In Kentucky

One person was killed and four others were wounded when gunfire broke out during an outdoor concert at Charles Young Park in Lexington. The injured include children aged 4 and 14 and were reported in non-life-threatening condition. Police said there was no continuing public threat, but no arrests had been announced.

In Scotland

Two planned prisons are projected to cost nearly £800,000 per place. HMP Glasgow, expected to open in 2028, is now estimated at about £1 billion for 1,344 prisoners, while HMP Highland is projected to cost £209 million for 200 cells. Officials say the facilities are needed to modernize and expand the prison estate, though costs have risen far beyond the original estimates.

In Iran

War with the United States is driving up prices and deepening hardship across Iran, where millions are struggling to afford basic necessities. As the economy absorbs the damage of the conflict, household budgets are shrinking and everyday costs are climbing.

In Russia’s war on Ukraine

Russian authorities say a large Ukrainian drone attack killed at least six people and caused a fire at a distribution warehouse near Moscow. Russia’s Defence Ministry said it intercepted 822 drones, while Moscow’s mayor said 600 were headed toward the wider capital region. Those figures could not be independently verified.

In Gaza and southern Lebanon

Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon killed at least 11 people in one day, despite a ceasefire extension brokered by the United States in June. The strikes are an escalation while the truce remains formally in force.

In Gaza, a doctor said medical staff amputated a young girl’s leg without anaesthesia, describing a hospital system without the supplies needed for basic emergency care.

In Hungary

Twelve people were killed and 10 seriously injured when a bus carrying Polish pilgrims overturned on Hungary’s M3 motorway while returning from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Police said the bus left a straight stretch of road near Mezőkeresztes shortly after 1 a.m. The driver survived, was detained, and investigators are examining whether he fell asleep.

In U.S. news

Democrats have introduced a package of Supreme Court reforms that would expand the court from nine justices to 13, impose 18-year term limits, establish an enforceable ethics code, and set rules for emergency decisions through the shadow docket. The proposals face long odds in Congress, but target a court whose power has expanded markedly through recent rulings.

In Britain

The UK plans to expand nationwide, round-the-clock GPS tracking for released rapists and child sex offenders, requiring monitoring for at least a year after prison. The £700 million programme would also expand drug testing, allow tighter restrictions on offenders’ movements, and add 1,300 probation officers.

In Europe

Satellite images show drought affecting roughly half of Europe’s land, with major rivers including the Danube and Rhine running low. The shrinking waterways are increasing pressure on agriculture, shipping, and water supplies across the continent.

In Hungary, at least 12 people were killed when a Polish tourist coach crashed. Firefighters rescued 35 people, with several passengers initially trapped beneath the overturned vehicle.

At the Morocco-Ceuta border

Moroccan security forces say they stopped hundreds of migrants near Castillejos from attempting to enter Spain’s enclave of Ceuta. The operation follows a mass crossing attempt weeks earlier in which 141 people died.

In Hawaii

Hurricane Lala passed near the Big Island without making landfall, bringing heavy rain and strong winds. The storm is expected to weaken, but officials had warned of flooding and mudslide risks after declaring an emergency.

In Gaza

Shortages of basic supplies now include lighters, leaving some families unable to ignite fuel and cook food. A small household item has become another barrier to getting a meal on the table.

In tech and security

Scammers are using holiday photos posted on social media to make bank-fraud messages more convincing. A picture can reveal where someone has travelled, allowing criminals to pose as a bank and claim a card was compromised there. Treat unsolicited alerts with suspicion and contact your bank through its official app or number, rather than a link in the message.

In Virginia

A 19-year-old has been arrested after five people were shot at Virginia State University. Police said the suspect was found hiding in a dormitory closet. One victim remains in critical condition.

In the Middle East

Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain are increasingly frustrated with Washington’s handling of Iran, according to Arab and Western officials. Their concern is that repeated U.S. threats, followed by pullbacks tied to claimed negotiating progress, have not stopped Iranian and proxy missile and drone attacks.

Meanwhile, CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper visited the USS Abraham Lincoln as it prepared to return from a nine-month wartime deployment. Reports have described poor living conditions and mental-health strain among crew members who received no port visits during that period. Qatar also denies Iran’s claim that Qatari forces are holding three Iranian pilots whose jets were downed early in the war.

In Taiwan

Taiwan’s Audit Office says a $111 million counter-drone program cannot detect or jam the 5.1GHz frequency used by newer Chinese military drones, and has further gaps involving BeiDou-3 navigation, fiber-optic links and AI-guided systems. The project is behind schedule, while a separate army purchase of 26 systems was canceled after the contractor failed final acceptance testing. Taiwan says upgrades are being developed, but drone technology is moving faster than the procurement paperwork.

In Hawaii

Hurricane Lala is moving toward Hawaii’s Big Island after forming Saturday, with a rare potential landfall bringing threats of heavy rain and strong winds. Residents and visitors are being urged to follow local emergency guidance as the storm approaches.

In U.S. news

New Jersey State Police have charged 64-year-old Stephen Schneider with two counts of reckless vessel homicide after the boat he was operating struck a channel marker in Berkeley Township in July. A 7-year-old girl and a 9-year-old boy were thrown into the water and later died at a hospital. Schneider also faces charges including operating a vessel under the influence and is being held in Ocean County jail.

In technology and trade

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick says the Trump administration does not want Apple buying memory chips from China, even as shortages and rising prices pressure electronics makers worldwide. Demand from AI data centers has driven memory costs higher, leaving manufacturers looking for more supply while consumers face the prospect of higher device prices.

On the Danube

Hungary is sinking two barges in the Danube to try to raise water levels and protect energy supplies. The emergency measure reflects how low river levels can quickly become a problem for power generation and transport, not merely an inconvenience for river traffic.

In Yemen

The Information Ministry says Houthi strikes hit residential areas in Marib, endangering civilians and escalating pressure in a region already badly affected by the war.

In Indiana

At least five people have died after a week of heavy rain caused flooding across Indiana. Officials say the federal government has promised assistance as communities deal with the damage.

In Colombia

Colombia is urging President Trump to suspend renewed U.S. tariffs while it confronts an estimated $6.4 billion reconstruction bill after its earthquake. Bogotá says the trade pressure is arriving just as the country begins a costly recovery.

In U.S. politics

Democrats have confirmed South Carolina will again hold the first contest in their 2028 presidential nominating calendar, preserving the party’s break with Iowa’s longtime opening role.

Public safety and health

A Bronx man has been charged with assault and criminal mischief as hate crimes after an alleged attack at Central Synagogue in New York City.

Separately, researchers and public-health officials say a nationwide cyclospora outbreak was very likely caused by food contaminated with sewage. The parasite spreads through human waste, putting renewed focus on failures in food sanitation.

On the USS Abraham Lincoln

House Democrats want Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao to explain conditions on the USS Abraham Lincoln, which they say has been docked in the Middle East for more than 260 days. Their letter seeks answers about the strain of the prolonged deployment on the crew.

In Lebanon

Israeli strikes in Lebanon killed 15 people early Saturday, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. The reported attacks included two initial strikes that killed 11 people and a later strike at another site. Three Israelis were reported injured.

On Lake Kariba

Zimbabwe’s ferry disaster death toll has risen to 69 after police recovered more bodies from Lake Kariba near the Zambian border. Eighteen children are among the dead. Investigators believe the ferry was overloaded when heavy winds capsized it on Tuesday.

In U.S. politics

Democrats have approved their 2028 primary calendar, putting South Carolina first on January 22, followed by Nevada and New Hampshire. New Mexico joins the early voting states for the first time, while Iowa loses its traditional opening position.

The Democratic National Committee also passed competing resolutions on Immigration and Customs Enforcement: one seeking specific reforms and another calling for ICE’s abolition. The votes underscore broad opposition to President Trump’s immigration crackdown, while leaving the party with two rather different answers to what comes next.

In African business

Demand for solar power is growing in South Africa and Nigeria as households and businesses look for alternatives to unreliable electricity grids. Both countries want more local manufacturing, but production remains largely limited to assembly, with China still supplying most panels, batteries and inverters.

Meanwhile, phone maker Transsion, whose Tecno, Infinix and itel brands are major sellers across Africa, is moving toward a Hong Kong listing. PalmPay, the Nigeria-launched fintech backed by Transsion and NetEase, is seeking roughly $200 million ahead of a possible IPO valuing it at more than $1 billion.

Earthquake in Indonesia

A 7.7-magnitude earthquake off eastern Indonesia has killed at least 47 people, with homes and other buildings reported collapsed in the Flores region. A tsunami warning briefly sent coastal residents to higher ground before it was lifted. Landslides have blocked routes into hard-hit areas, including Nagekeo, while damaged communications are complicating rescue work.

Storm threat in Hawaii

Tropical Storm Lala is bearing down on Hawaii’s Big Island with heavy rain and strong winds. Forecasters warn that higher elevations could receive up to 25 inches of rain, raising the risk of life-threatening mudslides. Authorities are urging residents in vulnerable mountain communities, including off-grid settlements, to seek safe shelter.

Shooting at Virginia State University

Five people were injured in an early Saturday shooting at Virginia State University, including one person in critical condition. The university says multiple suspects were involved. No further details on arrests or a motive were provided.

In Lebanon

Lebanon’s president says Israeli strikes that killed 11 people have undermined negotiations. Hezbollah said it would respond, adding pressure to an already fragile situation.

In Indonesia

A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck near Flores Island, killing dozens of people. The full scale of damage and casualties remains unclear as emergency assessments continue in affected areas.

In Lebanon

Israeli airstrikes hit homes in the southern villages of Ansar and Deir al-Zahrani, killing nine people, including three children, and injuring 11. One strike flattened a home outside Ansar, where rescue crews continued searching for survivors and bodies. It is the deadliest reported toll since a June agreement reduced fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.

In India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the Maoist-influenced Naxalite insurgency is close to defeat, while pledging action against people he calls “intellectual Naxals,” meaning alleged ideological supporters. The language broadens the target from armed insurgents to a far less clearly defined group, leaving considerable room for political interpretation.

In U.S. justice

Luigi Mangione pleaded guilty in federal court to interstate stalking resulting in death and cyberstalking resulting in death in the killing of UnitedHealthcare chief executive Brian Thompson. Both counts can carry life sentences. His lawyers argue that New York’s double-jeopardy law may now prevent Manhattan prosecutors from pursuing a separate murder case.

In the U.S. military

Veterans and military health experts are raising concerns about conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln after more than 250 consecutive days at sea during repeatedly extended Middle East deployments. Reports cited water shortages, plumbing problems, worsening mental health, and alleged attempts by sailors to jump overboard.

In health

The United States has approved Simtriyo, or centanafadine, for ADHD in adults and children aged six and older. The drug is designed to affect dopamine, noradrenaline, and serotonin, though it has not been directly compared with existing treatments. Its prescribing information warns of possible suicidal thoughts and behaviours, alongside side effects including appetite loss, insomnia, dry mouth, and headaches.

In Indonesia

A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off eastern Indonesia, killing at least 20 people. The tsunami warning has been lifted, but aftershocks continue as officials assess the damage and casualties.

In the Middle East

An Israeli strike on a home near Ansar in southern Lebanon killed seven people and wounded three, Lebanese state media reported. It was the deadliest reported attack in Lebanon since June agreements substantially reduced fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.

In the occupied West Bank, Israeli forces raided a wedding hall in al-Eizariya and assaulted Palestinian guests, according to the supplied account. In Gaza, small greenhouse and rented-plot projects are helping some farmers resume growing food after widespread destruction.

On the Korean Peninsula

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has proposed talks with North Korea aimed at formally ending the Korean War. The conflict stopped under an armistice in 1953, not a peace treaty, leaving one of the world’s longest-running unfinished wars technically unfinished.

In medical research

Scientists studying bacteriophages, viruses that infect bacteria, have found that some can deliberately generate genetic diversity to evade bacterial defenses. The work could inform future treatments for antibiotic-resistant infections, though it remains research rather than a ready-made therapy.

In Italy

Italian police recovered three paintings worth about £7.7 million and arrested five suspects after a museum raid near Parma. Investigators say the thieves used an alarm jammer and took works by Renoir, Cézanne and Matisse in under three minutes, but left enough evidence to lead police to the paintings, stored in a cardboard television box.

In the Middle East

President Trump says he will declare the Strait of Hormuz, the vital shipping route between Iran and Oman, to be U.S. territory. He offered no details on how that would work. The strait is internationally recognized waterway territory, not a blank space on a real-estate listing.

In Venezuela

Venezuela says it has freed 131 political prisoners, allowing them alternatives to incarceration during talks following Nicolás Maduro’s departure. The United States called the releases an important step toward national reconciliation.

In Indonesia

A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off Flores Island in eastern Indonesia, killing one person. Authorities are assessing the damage and wider impact of the powerful offshore quake.

In Kenya

Wildlife experts are investigating the deaths of at least 20 elephants in southern Kenya since June. Initial tests suggested cyanide poisoning linked to pesticides, but researchers say that does not account for all the symptoms seen in the animals.

In Berlin

An outdoor pool cancelled a planned six-hour swimming event for Black communities after political backlash and racist threats, organisers said. The event was intended as a safer space for Black, African and Afro-diasporic young people. The organization operating the taxpayer-funded pool says it plans to reschedule it.