Parks, zoo, schools close in Pakistan as residents choke on record-breaking smog

SummaryOn October 3, Francesca Bouaoun discovered that over 800 mature trees had been removed from West Island, part of Ontario Place in Toronto, to prepare for a new water park and spa by a European company. This controversial decision has sparked protests from residents who favor preserving the area as public space, while supporters argue for commercialization to generate revenue and maintain the site. The impending redevelopment, which has been adjusted based on public feedback,...

International students at Michigan public universities, whose immigration status was abruptly terminated, are seeking legal relief to avoid deportation. The students, from China, Nepal, and India, filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security, claiming their F-1 visas were revoked without proper notice, despite having no criminal records. A federal court is considering their request for a temporary restraining order, with the judge acknowledging the urgency of the situation. Full Article

The director of Gaza's Kamal Adwan hospital, Hussam Abu Safiya, has been detained by Israeli forces under "inhumane" conditions, facing "physical and psychological intimidation," according to his lawyer. Arrested during a December 27 assault on the hospital, which Israel labeled a Hamas "terrorist centre," Abu Safiya is being held as an "illegal combatant" and has reportedly suffered torture during interrogations, along with health issues and a lack of medical care. A social media campaign, including...

A doctor involved in a workplace sex allegations investigation claims he filmed a woman to demonstrate her consent and protect himself from potential #MeToo accusations. The doctor and the woman, referred to as Ms G, reportedly connected through a sexual website, met at a bar, and agreed to engage in a secret sexual relationship due to her marital status. Their relationship, centered around a sexual fetish, involved the doctor as the dominant partner and the...

Algeria's expulsion of 12 French consular staff has dashed hopes for improved relations with France following a recent diplomatic thaw. This action, prompted by the arrest of an Algerian consular official in France linked to a kidnapping case, underscores ongoing tensions, particularly targeting French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, perceived as undermining President Macron's conciliatory approach. The deterioration in ties, marked by accusations and the arrest of Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal, has diminished prospects for future...

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee (PTI photo) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addressed the unrest in Murshidabad during a meeting with Imams, countering BJP allegations of TMC's involvement in Waqf-related violence, which she described as pre-planned. She criticized the central government for its handling of the situation and accused "godi media" of spreading misinformation while questioning their focus on Bengal amidst rising prices and unemployment. In response, BJP leaders condemned the Mamata government for...