Serbia: Troops On High Alert Over Rising Tensions

The Serbian army says it is at its “highest level of combat readiness” after weeks of escalating tensions between Serbia and Kosovo. Eko Hot Blog reports that President Aleksandar Vucic says he will “take all measures to protect our people and preserve Serbia”. EDITOR’S PICKS British Airways: Flights Leaving US Grounded Over Technical Issue Met … Read more

Female Golf Legend Dies At 83

Kathy Whitworth – the professional golfer with the most trophies – has died aged 83, America’s Ladies Professional Golf Association has said. Eko Hot Blog reports that it said, “Her 88 LPGA victories are the most ever on a professional tour.” EDITOR’S PICKS British Airways: Flights Leaving US Grounded Over Technical Issue Met Office Forecasts … Read more

Iran Protests: Family Of Football Legend Ali Daei Stopped From Leaving

Iranian football legend Ali Daei says an international flight has been rerouted to prevent his wife and daughter from leaving the country. Eko Hot Blog reports that the 53-year-old, who has voiced support for anti-government protests, said his family had tried to fly from Tehran to Dubai to join him on holiday on Monday. EDITOR’S PICKS … Read more

Brazil: Police Arrest Man Suspected Of Planting Explosives In The Capital

Police in Brasilia arrested a man on Saturday suspected of planting and possessing explosive devices one week ahead of former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s inauguration, Police Chief Robson Candido said during a news briefing. Eko Hot Blog reports that the 54-year-old suspect went to Brasilia for demonstrations in support of President Jair Bolsonaro, … Read more

Sam Bankman-Fried- The Legal Battle Continues

The stunning collapse of one of crypto’s most prominent firms has quickly morphed into a legal battle pitting former executives and ex-romantic partners against one another. Eko Hot Blog reports that last week, as FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried was being extradited to the United States from the Bahamas, two of his former business partners pleaded … Read more

UFC Hall Of Famer Stephan Bonnar Dies Aged 45

Stephan Bonnar, the Ultimate Fighting Championship Hall of Famer who popularized the sport in the finale fight of the first season of “The Ultimate Fighter” reality show, died Thursday, the mixed martial arts promoter announced Saturday. Eko Hot Blog reports that Bonnar died from “presumed heart complications while at work,” the UFC said in a … Read more

China: Economy Under Huge Strain Due To Covid Surge

China’s economy is under severe strain as a wave of Covid cases sweeps across the country. Eko Hot Blog reports that since the world’s second largest economy drastically eased its Covid restrictions earlier this month, there has been no clear data on the extent of the virus’ spread on the national level. But several cities … Read more

Iran: Al-Shabab Releases 14 Fishermen After Years Of Abduction

Fourteen Iranian fishermen have returned home after years in captivity by al-Shabab militants in Somalia. Eko Hot Blog reports that according to reports, they were freed after “lengthy negotiations with government officials, tribal chiefs and Somali elders.” EDITOR’S PICKS British Airways: Flights Leaving US Grounded Over Technical Issue Met Office Forecasts 2023 Will Be Hotter … Read more

Jordan Seizes One Tonne Of Amphetamine At Iraq Border

Jordan has seized one tonne of amphetamine pills being smuggled in date paste at the border with Iraq. Eko Hot Blog reports that a total of six million pills of the drug known as Captagon were found inside two refrigerated lorries. EDITOR’S PICKS British Airways: Flights Leaving US Grounded Over Technical Issue Met Office Forecasts … Read more

US: Death Toll Rises As Temperature Drops

At least 38 deaths have now been linked to a severe Arctic freeze that continues to pummel the US and Canada. Eko Hot Blog reports that officials say 34 people died across the US, with the worst-hit area being the city of Buffalo, in New York state. EDITOR’S PICKS British Airways: Flights Leaving US Grounded … Read more

Paris Shooting: Suspect Admits ‘Pathological’ Hatred Of Migrants

The man accused of a deadly attack against the Kurdish community in Paris has admitted to a “pathological” hatred of migrants, French prosecutors say. Eko Hot Blog reports that the 69-year-old told investigators he had planned to kill “non-European foreigners” as he embarked on his shooting spree on Friday, they say. EDITOR’S PICKS British Airways: … Read more

Prince Harry And Meghan Criticise Jeremy Clarkson’s Apology

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have criticised the Sun’s apology over a column by Jeremy Clarkson as “nothing more than a PR stunt”. Eko Hot Blog reports that the column, in which Clarkson said he hated Meghan “on a cellular level”, received more than 20,000 complaints. EDITOR’S PICKS British Airways: Flights Leaving US Grounded … Read more

Afghanistan: Foreign Aid Groups Halt Work After Taliban Ban On Female Staff

Three major non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have halted work in Afghanistan after women were banned from working for them by the Taliban. Eko Hot Blog reports that in a joint statement, Care International, the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) and Save the Children said they would be unable to continue their work “without our female staff”. EDITOR’S … Read more

King Charles’ First Christmas Message Addresses Cost-Of-Living Crisis

King Charles has used his first Christmas message to reflect on the cost-of-living crisis. Eko Hot Blog reports that he spoke of the “great anxiety and hardship” for those struggling to “pay their bills and keep their families fed and warm”. EDITOR’S PICKS British Airways: Flights Leaving US Grounded Over Technical Issue Met Office Forecasts … Read more

England: The Search For Gunman Who Killed Woman In Wallasey Pub Continues

Police are hunting for a gunman after a woman was fatally shot at a pub on Merseyside on Christmas Eve. Eko Hot Blog reports that three other men are being treated for gunshot wounds in hospital after the attack in The Lighthouse in Wallasey Village, Wirral at about 23:50 GMT on Saturday. EDITOR’S PICKS British … Read more

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