Top stories
1. High-speed train crash kills at least 68 people in Spain
A high-speed train crash in Spain has killed at least 68 people after a moving train hit another stopped further up the track. The transport minister said the collision was caused by an “inexplicable” error.
Source: BBC World
2. Africa’s ‘unprecedented’ Ebola outbreak could reach UK, says top health official
The head of Africa CDC warned that the ‘unprecedented’ Ebola outbreak, now at 10,000 cases and nearly 5,000 deaths, could spread to the UK and other countries. He said more funding is needed to boost preparedness and treatment, or the virus could spread like Covid.
Source: The Guardian World
3. World Bank sees commodity prices up 23% in 2026 due to Middle East war, other shocks - Reuters
The World Bank expects global commodity prices to rise 23% in 2026, driven by the Middle East war and other shocks. The forecast highlights geopolitical risks to energy and commodity markets.
Source: Reuters World (via Google News)
World news
1. Tanzania celebrates first natural gas discovery in more than 10 years
Tanzania has announced its first natural gas discovery in over a decade. The energy minister called it a major milestone for the East African nation, though no reserve or development details were given.
Source: BBC World
2. Luxury cruise passengers stranded in Cambodia due to soaring fuel costs
The Villa Vie Odyssey has suspended its voyage, leaving passengers stranded in Cambodia as fuel costs surge. The cruise operator said it is working with passengers on temporary living arrangements, with no clear timeline for resuming the trip.
Source: BBC World
3. Menindee Lakes water levels drop to lowest in five years as experts warn of mass fish deaths
Water levels at the Menindee Lakes in western New South Wales have fallen to their lowest in five years. The state government has imposed upstream water restrictions, while experts warn of possible mass fish deaths over summer.
Source: The Guardian World
4. Girl seriously injured in wolf attack at German wildlife park
An eight-year-old girl was seriously injured in a wolf attack at a wildlife park in Germany. She was inside an enclosure with other children and a staff member when the attack occurred.
Source: BBC World
5. Death of US actress Hayden Panettiere ruled accidental, ending local police probe
US actress Hayden Panettiere, known for Heroes and Nashville, died in August from toxic effects of fentanyl, Xanax and other drugs. Authorities ruled her death accidental, closing the local police investigation.
Source: BBC World
6. Anger in Kenya over extradition hearing delay for ex-British soldier accused of murdering woman
Anger in Kenya over the delay of an extradition hearing for a former British soldier accused of murdering a woman. The family says next month’s hearing was postponed to May 2027 without an official reason.
Source: BBC World
7. A US woman feared dead was reported alive in Mexico. But police now say that isn’t true
Mexican police said they had found Shayna Feinman alive in Tijuana, raising her family’s hopes, but Arizona authorities now say that claim was mistaken. Feinman was reported missing in rural Yavapai County, Arizona, in March 2024; her sister described the episode as heartbreaking.
Source: The Guardian World
8. ‘Worldwide legacy’: almost $20m raised to protect majestic tract of land in far north Queensland
A conservation group has raised more than $19m in private donations to buy Wooroora station in far north Queensland by Christmas. The land links wet sclerophyll forest and savanna woodland, hosts 12 endangered species, and contains headwaters flowing to the Great Barrier Reef.
Source: The Guardian World