Magnitude 7.3 earthquake causes widespread damage in Pacific island nation of Vanuatu

Three kidnappers were sentenced to eight years and one month in prison for attempting to abduct Israeli record producer Itay Kashti in a botched kidnap plot motivated by political, religious, and financial reasons. The trio, Mohammad Comrie, Faiz Shah, and Elijah Ogunnubi-Sime, targeted Kashti by posing as representatives of Polydor Records and assaulting him at an isolated cottage in Wales. Despite suffering injuries, Kashti managed to escape and alert the police, leading to the arrest...

On Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism about the possibility of Russia and Ukraine agreeing to a 30-day ceasefire led by Washington, following discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putin endorsed the ceasefire idea with some reservations, citing concerns about enforcement and potential military advantages for Ukraine. Trump mentioned ongoing negotiations with Kyiv, including discussions on territorial concessions, the fate of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear facility, and Ukraine's NATO membership, and expressed hope for further...

British national Edgar Charles Frederick, 79, died in Kenya after being struck by a government vehicle in President William Ruto's motorcade in Nairobi. The driver was arrested and released on bail, sparking social media outrage over the high-speed driving. Frederick was visiting family in Kenya, and a post-mortem will be conducted to determine the cause of death. Full Article

Sean "Diddy" Combs pleaded not guilty to new allegations in court, including lengthened timeline of sex trafficking and racketeering, added victims, and forcing employees into sexual encounters. Diddy appeared with grayer hair, wearing a tan jumpsuit, supported by family. Trial scheduled for May 5, with prosecution claiming evidence not shared by defense. Diddy remains in jail pending trial, facing potential life sentence if found guilty of running criminal enterprise. Full Article

Sam Jones, a popular American influencer, sparked outrage in Australia after she was seen on video snatching a baby wombat away from its mother in the dark of night. The video, which has since been deleted, shows Jones excitedly grabbing the animal and then abandoning it on the side of the road. Australian officials and wildlife groups condemned her actions, with calls for her deportation and visa review growing. Full Article

The Department of Integration is seeking to expand temporary legislation to allow for the use of various property types, including banks, nightclubs, and equestrian centres, for international protection accommodation. Current rules around asylum seeker housing may be loosened to include different building types, with the possibility of extending the deadline for this legislation until 2032. Government officials are considering repurposing vacant commercial buildings and are aiming to stabilize asylum seeker numbers by 2028 through the...