Author: Trainee Reporter

Washington: A man was shot dead by officers of the United States Secret Service after he opened fire at a security checkpoint near the White House, leaving a bystander injured and triggering an immediate lockdown of the presidential complex. According to officials, the suspect approached a Secret Service checkpoint at the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, DC shortly after 6pm local time. Authorities said the man pulled a firearm from a bag and began shooting at officers stationed at the checkpoint. In an official statement, the Secret Service confirmed that agents returned fire after the suspect…

Shanxi: At least 90 people have been killed following a gas explosion at the Liushenyu Coal Mine operated by the Tongzhou Group in Shanxi province, northern China, state media reported. The incident occurred at 19:29 local time on May 22, when 247 workers were on duty underground. Emergency teams said more than 100 injured workers have been taken to the hospital, while rescue operations remain ongoing with hundreds of personnel deployed to the site. Chinese authorities confirmed that 345 rescuers from six emergency response teams have been mobilised to assist in search and recovery efforts. Footage from state media showed…

Washington: The Trump administration has announced a major change to the US immigration system, requiring most immigrants seeking permanent residency to leave the country and complete their green card applications through US embassies or consulates abroad. The new policy, unveiled by US Citizenship and Immigration Services, effectively ends a long-used pathway that allowed eligible visa holders already inside the United States to apply for a green card through adjustment of status without departing the country. Under the revised rules, individuals on temporary visas, including students, tourists, and temporary workers, will generally be required to return to their home countries and…

United States: Walmart has warned that rising petrol prices, fuelled by ongoing geopolitical tensions linked to the Iran–Middle East conflict, are putting fresh pressure on US consumers and slowing spending across key retail categories. The company expects sales growth to ease significantly in the May–July quarter compared with the previous three months, as higher fuel costs reduce discretionary spending power. Data from the American Automobile Association shows average petrol prices have surged to $4.56 per gallon, up sharply from around $3 when the conflict escalated. Fuel shock hits household budgets Walmart’s finance chief John David Rainey told that earlier relief…

Alberta: Premier Danielle Smith has announced that Alberta will hold a referendum on October 19 to determine whether the province should remain part of Canada or move toward a second binding vote on separation, setting up one of the most significant national unity tests in decades. The announcement follows mounting pressure from separatist groups after a citizen-led petition supporting Alberta independence reportedly gathered more than 300,000 signatures earlier this year. A separate campaign supporting Alberta remaining within Canada attracted over 400,000 signatures, highlighting the province’s deepening political divide. Speaking in a televised address, Smith said Albertans will be asked that,…

London: The chief executive of EasyJet has reassured holidaymakers that flights will continue as scheduled this summer despite growing concerns over rising jet fuel prices linked to tensions in the Middle East. EasyJet CEO Kenton Jarvis said the airline had experienced absolutely no issues with fuel supplies across its network and urged customers to continue booking with confidence. His comments come with escalating disruption caused by the Iran conflict, which has effectively blocked access through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a major route for Europe-bound jet fuel shipments. The crisis has triggered a sharp surge in fuel prices, with…

Miami: The United States has charged former Cuban leader Raúl Castro with conspiracy to kill US nationals and multiple other crimes linked to the 1996 downing of two civilian aircraft operated by the anti-Castro group Brothers to the Rescue. The indictment, announced in Miami by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, accuses Castro and five others of orchestrating the shooting down of the planes over waters between Cuba and Florida, killing four men, including three US citizens. The victims were identified as Armando Alejandre Jr, Carlos Alberto Costa, Mario Manuel de la Peña and Pablo Morales. At the time of the…

Sylhet: Bangladesh has registered a landmark moment in their Test history after defeating Pakistan by 78 runs in the second Test to clinch their first-ever home series win against the visitors. Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam produced a match-winning spell of six wickets as Bangladesh bowled Pakistan out for 328 in their fourth-innings chase of 437 on the fifth morning in Sylhet. Pakistan resumed the final day on 316-7 and briefly hoped for an unlikely comeback, powered by a resilient 94 from wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan. However, the resistance ended quickly in the first session as Bangladesh wrapped up the innings. Rizwan…

Washington: United States President Donald Trump, his family members, and affiliated businesses have reportedly been granted sweeping protection from ongoing and future tax-related investigations under a controversial directive issued by the US Department of Justice (DOJ). The directive, signed by acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, states that authorities will be forever barred and precluded from pursuing or prosecuting tax claims involving Trump, his relatives, or his companies. The one-page document was quietly uploaded to the Justice Department’s website, without an official announcement or press release. The waiver reportedly covers any investigations that are currently pending or could potentially arise in…

San Diego: Three men were killed after two teenage attackers opened fire outside the Islamic Centre of San Diego, in what authorities say is being treated as a suspected hate crime. Police said the gunfire broke out around 11:43 local time, just hours after officers were alerted that one of the suspects had left home with firearms and a companion. The suspects, aged 17 and 18, were later found dead from self-inflicted gunshot wounds in a vehicle nearby. Victims and response Among those killed was a security guard at the mosque, described by officials as having played a pivotal role…