International
Peru closes 101 ports as powerful waves hit coastlines, leaving damage in Ecuador

Peru raised the number of closed ports to 101 on Sunday due to the strong wave surge hitting its coasts and those of Ecuador, where authorities reported two deaths and dozens of people affected.
So far, 101 of the country’s total 121 ports have been closed, with “practically all fishing and recreational activities at sea” restricted, said Enrique Varea Loayza, head of the Oceanography Department at the Hydrography and Navigation Directorate of the Peruvian Navy, in an interview with the N channel.
The Peruvian official mentioned that this condition “will continue in the coming days.” Recent reports showed waves reaching up to four meters high.
It is expected that on December 30, the wave surge will moderate, and from December 31 through early January, it will be mild.
The strong waves have damaged dozens of small fishing boats and coastal businesses along Peru’s coast. It also caused coastal residents to flee from flooded boardwalks and plazas, according to images shared by local Peruvian media and social networks.
The heavy waves also hit small harbors and landing sites in the northern regions of Tumbes and Piura.
Climate change “causes these types of abnormal wave surges,” explained Larry Linch, Civil Defense Manager for the Port City of Callao, adding that strong winds directed toward Peru’s coast caused tidal increases in the area.
International
Trump signs order to end federal funding for NPR and PBS

U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday to halt federal funding for two public media outlets, PBS television and NPR radio, accusing them of being biased.
NPR and PBS are partially funded by American taxpayers but rely heavily on private donations.
Trump has long maintained a hostile relationship with most media outlets, which he has referred to as the “enemy of the people.”
An exception is the conservative Fox News channel, some of whose hosts have played important roles in the administration of the Republican magnate.
“National Public Radio (NPR) and Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) receive taxpayer funding through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB),” Trump said.
“Therefore, I direct the CPB board and all executive departments and agencies to cease federal funding for NPR and PBS,” he added.
The Republican leader argued that “neither of these entities provides a fair, accurate, or impartial portrayal of current events to the taxpayer citizens.”
At the end of March, Donald Trump called on Congress to end public funding for these two “horrible and completely biased networks.”
International
Man arrested after deliberately driving into seven children in Osaka

Japanese police arrested a man on Thursday after he rammed his car into a group of seven schoolchildren in an apparent deliberate attack in the city of Osaka.
The children, who were on their way home from school, sustained injuries and were taken to the hospital. All seven remained conscious, according to local authorities.
An Osaka police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the suspect is a 28-year-old man from Tokyo. The officer shared statements the man made after his arrest: “I was fed up with everything, so I decided to kill people by driving into several elementary school children,” the suspect reportedly said.
The man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
The injured children, aged between seven and eight, included a seven-year-old girl who suffered a fractured jaw. The six other children—all boys—suffered minor injuries such as bruises and scratches and were undergoing medical evaluation.
Witnesses described the car as “zigzagging” before hitting the children. One witness told Nippon TV that a girl was “covered in blood” and the others appeared to have scratches.
Another witness said the driver, who was wearing a face mask, looked to be in shock when school staff pulled him from the vehicle.
Violent crimes are rare in Japan, though serious incidents do occur from time to time. In 2008, Tomohiro Kato drove a two-ton truck into pedestrians in Tokyo’s Akihabara district, then fatally stabbed several victims. Seven people were killed in that attack.
Internacionales
Clashes erupt during may day protests across France amid calls for better wages

May Day protests in France were marked by a heavy police presence and clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement in several cities.
In Paris, Lyon, and Nantes, thousands took to the streets to demand better wages, fairer working conditions, and to voice their dissatisfaction with President Emmanuel Macron’s government.
While the majority of the demonstrations remained peaceful, isolated confrontations broke out in some areas. Protesters threw objects at the police, prompting the use of tear gas and resulting in several arrests.
Videos showing police crackdowns circulated widely on social media, drawing criticism from labor unions and human rights advocates, who denounced the authorities’ response to the protests.
-
Central America4 days ago
Guatemala sees road blockades amid protests against lawmaker pay hikes
-
International4 days ago
Colombia sees deadliest surge in violence since FARC peace deal
-
International4 days ago
Spain’s PM calls for calm and patience amid ongoing blackout
-
International4 days ago
Conclave to choose pope Francis’ successor could begin in early may
-
International4 days ago
Mexican activist who exposed pornography ring found dead in Veracruz
-
International4 days ago
Madrid carries out 286 elevator rescues amid massive blackout
-
International2 days ago
Kristi Noem credits Trump for mass migrant deportations by mexican president
-
International2 days ago
Vatican releases special “Sede Vacante” stamps ahead of papal transition
-
Internacionales1 day ago
Clashes erupt during may day protests across France amid calls for better wages
-
International1 day ago
Man arrested after deliberately driving into seven children in Osaka
-
International16 hours ago
Trump signs order to end federal funding for NPR and PBS
-
Central America16 hours ago
Nicaragua plummets to 172nd in RSF World Press Freedom Index
-
Sports16 hours ago
Lautaro Martínez doubtful for UCL semifinal second leg after thigh injury