Author: News Desk

Biggest typhoon in 30 years hits Taiwan Typhoon Kong-rey, the biggest storm to hit Taiwan in nearly 30 years, made landfall on the island’s eastern coast, forcing schools and workplaces to close and disrupting daily life. The typhoon struck with winds exceeding 200 km/h, comparable to a Category 4 hurricane, before weakening to a moderate typhoon by evening. Authorities reported at least one death—a woman killed by a falling tree—and over 70 injuries. Power outages affected half a million households, and severe winds and rain hindered emergency response efforts in areas like Hualien County. The storm’s arrival is unusual for…

Botswana ruling party booted out of power after 58 years Botswana’s ruling party, the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), has been voted out after 58 years in power. Early election results show the BDP secured only one parliamentary seat, while the opposition coalition, the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), led by human rights lawyer Duma Boko, has won 20 seats. The UDC is projected to surpass the 31-seat majority needed to form the government, positioning Boko to become the next president. The Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF), supported by ex-president Ian Khama, won five seats, and the Botswana Congress Party (BCP) claimed…

Spain flood death toll passes 150 Spain is facing its deadliest flooding disaster in decades, with at least 158 confirmed deaths as heavy rains and flash floods devastated parts of the country. The hardest-hit area was Valencia, which recorded 155 deaths, while casualties also occurred in Castilla-La Mancha and Andalusia. Rescuers, including 1,200 workers supported by drones, continue efforts to locate survivors as more rain looms. The floods, triggered by an extraordinary weather event known as gota fría (cold drop), brought a year’s worth of rainfall to the town of Chiva in just eight hours. Scientists link the intensity of…

Prince William’s awkward interaction with homelessness campaigner in moving documentary – latest news Prince William confronted by founder of The Big Issue in awkward interactionGet the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the worldSign up to our free Morning Headlines emailPrince William faced an uncomfortable moment during the premiere of his documentary, Prince William: We Can End Homelessness, which aired its first part last night.In the film, the Prince of Wales, 42, was confronted by Lord John Bird, founder of The Big Issue, who challenged him to address the “failed thinking” surrounding homelessness.Lord Bird bluntly stated he…

BBC Question Time audience member tells MPs exactly what public thinks | Culture An angry Question Time audience member delivered a powerful speech hitting out at “economically illiterate” MPs.The man addressed the panel on Thursday’s show (31 October) – the day after Labour chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered her Budget, announcing a £40bn tax hike.He said: “Whenever there is a change from Tory to Labour, Labour will come in, the Tories will come in, like Cameron did in 2010 and the Labour lot had left a note saying, ‘haha, there’s no money left’.”Then the Tories smashed the economy and Labour come…

Met Office gives verdict on where snow could fall in UK in November For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emailsSign up to our free breaking news emailsSign up to our free breaking news emailsThe Met Office has predicted a chance of snow for some areas of the UK – and it could come as early as next week.Ice, mist and heavy fog are expected this weekend but the forecaster suggests there is a chance of snow arriving at the turn of November in the northern and eastern regions…

Elon Musk can continue with election cash giveaways for now, judge rules A Pennsylvania state judge has ruled that Elon Musk can continue his cash giveaways to registered voters for now. Through his political group, America PAC, Musk has been awarding $1 million prizes to voters in swing states who sign a petition. This initiative, which he claims promotes civic engagement, has been criticised as potentially violating election laws. Philadelphia District Attorney Lawrence Krasner filed a lawsuit, calling for an immediate stop to these giveaways, but Judge Angelo Foglietta has put the case on hold pending a federal court’s decision…

Head of government’s new value for money office to be paid £950 a day David Goldstone to advise chancellor and chief secretary to the Treasury on ways to cut public spending. David Goldstone, the government’s new value for money chair, will receive a daily salary rate of £950, it has been reported. The position was announced by the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, as part of Wednesday’s budget statement. She said Goldstone, who will be in post for a year, would “help us realise the benefits from every pound of public spending”. The head of government’s new value for money office ‘to…

UK Daily Trending stories Trending – Labour budget met with scepticism and praise On Wednesday the government delivered the October Budget. It marked the first Labour Budget in 15 years and the first time a woman had ever delivered the country’s financial statement. Rachel Reeves was appointed to the government as Chancellor of the Exchequer in July when Labour won the general election, becoming the first woman to hold the office in its over 800-year history. The government’s budget laid out plans to boost public spending by taking out bigger loans and raising taxes, particularly those on companies, the wealthy…

Key updates Middle East news bulletin today – Genocide in Gaza, Israeli strikes in Syria, US issues warning over aid Death toll latest Genocide in Gaza: at least 43,163 Palestinians and wounded 101,510 others since the start of the war Israel’s war on Lebanon: at least 2,822 people have been killed and 12,937 wounded in Israeli attacks since the war on Gaza began. US issues warning to Israel over Gaza aid amid humanitarian crisis The United States has pressed Israel to take immediate action to address the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, warning that aid flow must increase by November 12…