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PA Media Police at the scene of Lisa Thompson’s murder in May 2022 The son of murdered Dublin woman Lisa Thompson has said her death has left an “irreplaceable void”. He was speaking as Ms Thompson’s killer, 40-year-old Brian McHugh, was given a life sentence on Monday. McHugh, of Cairn Court in Ballymun, was found … Read more
1 hr agoOntario premier: Tariffs could add $100 to US electricity billsDoug Ford announced a 25% surcharge on electricity affecting 1.5 million homes and businesses across Minnesota, Michigan and New York.1 hr agoUS & Canada
The US Supreme Court on Monday agreed to hear a challenge to a Colorado law that bans so-called conversion therapy. The justices agreed they will hear the case after a therapist from Colorado brought an appeal, arguing the state’s restictions violate her free speech rights guaranteed under the US Constitution’s first amendment. Conversion therapy – … Read more
Canada’s most populous province Ontario is slapping a retaliatory 25% surcharge on electricity it sends to US states in response to President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods. Ontario leader Doug Ford confirmed the move in a news conference on Monday morning, saying it will increase costs about $10 (£7.75) per megawatt-hour for US customers. … Read more
The Trump administration is repurposing a mobile application – originally created to facilitate asylum appointments – into a way for undocumented migrants already in the US to “self-deport”. The app, known as CBP Home, allows migrants to submit an “intent to depart”, which US Customs and Border Patrol says offers them a chance to leave … Read more
When India and Pakistan gained independence from British rule in 1947, the various princely rulers were able to choose which state to join. The Maharaja of Kashmir, Hari Singh, was the Hindu head of a majority Muslim state sandwiched between the two countries and could not decide. He signed an interim “standstill” agreement to maintain … Read more
Some key dates in Afghanistan’s history: 18th Century – The modern state of Afghanistan begins with Ahmad Shah Durrani (ruled 1747-1772) and the Durrani Afghan Empire that at its maximum encompasses northern India and eastern Iran. 1826 – With the decline of Durrani dynasty Dost Mohammad Khan Barakzai becomes Emir of Afghanistan. 1839-42 – First … Read more
Afghan media have faced difficulties since the Taliban took power in Kabul in August 2021. Outlets have endured severe restrictions, an economic crisis and waning Western support. There is growing self-censorship and editorial appeasement of the Taliban. Freedom of expression has largely disappeared. Music is no longer broadcast and women rarely appear in the media. … Read more
Some key dates in the history of Bangladesh: 1204 – Muslim conquest of Bengal. 14th Century – Bengal sees the rise of three city-states; Sonargaon, Satgaon and Lakhnauti. 1352 – Shamsuddin Ilyas Shah unites the three city-states into the Bengal Sultanate, which dominates the area for much of the 14th, 15th and 16th Centuries. 17th … Read more
TV is the most popular medium. State-owned BTV is the sole network with national terrestrial coverage. Satellite and cable channels and Indian TV stations have large audiences. State radio covers almost the entire country. BBC World Service in English and Bengali is heard on 100 FM in Dhaka. Newspapers are outspoken and privately-owned. English-language titles … Read more