Author: News Desk

Cliff Notes – Ireland face Czechia in semifinals The Republic of Ireland will play Czechia in the World Cup European playoff semifinals on March 26, 2026. A win will see Ireland face either Denmark or North Macedonia for a place in the World Cup, with the final scheduled for March 31. World Cup playoff draw: Ireland face Czechia in semifinals The Republic of Ireland will travel to Czechia in the World Cup European playoff semifinals in March as they discovered their route to next summer’s tournament in a draw on Thursday. Either Ireland or Czechia will then face the victor…

TL;DR A secret US-negotiated peace plan with Russia reportedly includes significant concessions from Ukraine, such as surrendering Donetsk and Luhansk regions and reducing armed forces to 40% of current levels. Ukraine was not involved in the negotiations or informed of specific details, leading to prominent criticisms from Ukrainian officials regarding the plan’s feasibility. Key US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have downplayed the reports, emphasising that any valid peace accord must involve direct Ukrainian approval. Ukraine war latest: Trump ‘approves secret peace plan’ as US officials visit Kyiv – but were Ukrainians cut out of talks? | World…

TL;DR Two passenger trains collided near Ceske Budejovice, injuring 57 people, with at least five reported as seriously injured. Preliminary investigations suggest one train may have passed a stop signal; traffic on the affected route has been temporarily halted. All passengers were evacuated safely, and emergency services responded promptly to the scene. Two passenger trains collide in the Czech Republic, injuring 57 Two passenger trains have collided in the Czech Republic, leaving 57 people injured, at least two seriously. The accident happened at around 6.20am near the city of Ceske Budejovice in the south of the country. One of the…

Cliff Notes – Victoria Beckham sends fans wild with video teasing Spice Girls reunion Victoria Beckham sparked excitement among fans by sharing a video of herself singing “Viva Forever” with her son, leading to playful comments from former bandmates Mel C and Mel B about a potential reunion. The Spice Girls, who last toured in 2019 without Beckham, are approaching the 30th anniversary of their debut single “Wannabe,” prompting speculation about a comeback. Despite the enthusiasm, Beckham has previously expressed doubts about rejoining the group for a world tour, citing her commitments and uncertainty about her singing abilities. Victoria Beckham…

Cliff Notes – 2026 World Cup draw Top seeds set in latest FIFA rankings FIFA’s latest rankings confirmed the top-seeded teams for the Dec. 5 World Cup draw, including co-hosts the United States, Canada, and Mexico, along with Spain, Argentina, and others, while Croatia fell to Pot 2. The updated rankings also determined the seeding for playoff brackets in March, with Italy aiming to avoid a third consecutive playoff exit after finishing as runners-up in their qualifying group. The intercontinental playoffs will feature top-seeded Iraq and Congo, awaiting the outcomes of semifinals involving Bolivia, Jamaica, New Caledonia, and Suriname. 2026…

TL;DR A blackout affected approximately 170,000 homes in Paris due to a technical issue at an electrical substation in Issy-les-Moulineaux. RTE reported that 112,000 homes were reconnected within five minutes; however, as of 6.50am, 2,600 homes remained without power, with restoration efforts ongoing. Power being restored after brief blackout for parts of Paris, say electricity operators | UK News Electricity operators are working to restore power after about 170,000 homes were hit by a blackout in Paris.Some metro and suburban train lines were halted, while 170,000 homes were initially without power after a technical issue at an electrical substation in…

Cliff Notes – Dolly Parton, 79, apologises for missing event after ongoing health challenges Dolly Parton has apologised for missing an event due to ongoing health challenges, including a recent diagnosis of a kidney stone. She accepted an award remotely, expressing gratitude for the honour and reassuring fans about her health status. Despite her health issues, Parton remains active, having recently accepted an honorary Oscar and rescheduled her Las Vegas residency for next September. Dolly Parton, 79, apologises for missing event after ongoing ‘health challenges’ Dolly Parton has issued an apology after being forced to miss an event due to…

Cliff Notes – Arsenal’s Gabriel out for at least a month, misses Tottenham, Chelsea games – sources Arsenal centre-back Gabriel Magalhães will be sidelined for a minimum of four weeks due to a thigh injury sustained during a friendly match with Brazil. His absence is a significant setback for Mikel Arteta, as Gabriel has been pivotal in defence, contributing to the team’s strong record of clean sheets and scoring two goals this season. Arsenal’s Gabriel out for at least a month, misses Tottenham, Chelsea games – sources Arsenal centre-back Gabriel Magalhães will be sidelined for at least a month, sources…

TL;DR The North East of the UK is under an amber warning for severe winter weather, with heavy snowfall expected, particularly in North Yorkshire Moors and the Yorkshire Wolds, accumulating between 15-25cm. Falling temperatures overnight could lead to hazardous “instant ice rink” conditions on untreated roads and pavements, severely impacting transportation and road safety. The UK Health Security Agency has issued cold weather alerts due to potential health risks for vulnerable populations, with temperatures forecast to plummet as low as -12C in Scotland by Friday. UK weather: Warning of blizzards and ‘ice-rink conditions’ – as seven alerts in force |…

TL;DR A Russian spy ship, the Yantar, is allegedly loitering near UK waters and has directed lasers at RAF pilots, prompting Defence Secretary John Healey to warn of military options. Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of MI6, suggests the ship may be involved in espionage related to undersea cables critical to the UK’s infrastructure. Healey noted the UK is in a “new era of threat,” emphasising preparedness amid escalating tensions, while Russia dismisses the allegations as unfounded. Navy could fire ‘warning shot’ or ‘cut off’ Russian spy ship after laser incident, says ex-MI6 boss | UK News A former head…