Author: Gulf News Week
Anadolu via Getty ImagesA fire tore through the neonatal unit in Islamabad last month, killing 14 newborns An official inquiry into a Pakistan hospital fire that killed 14 babies last month has found the neonatal unit lacked fire alarms and sprinklers, while firefighters reported that escape routes were “locked or obstructed”.One firefighter, who asked to remain anonymous, told the BBC he had heard from other rescue workers that entering the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) hospital in Islamabad was “extremely difficult”.”The doors were locked so they had to break through the windows to enter. Even after getting inside, the…
Why Trump’s hand-picked Fed chair defied him by raising interest ratesThe .25% increase comes despite fierce opposition from the US president, who has called for rates to be cut.60 mins agoUS & Canada
Getty ImagesThe top Democrat on a congressional committee that reviews weapons deals has said he will not support a proposed $2.8bn (£2.1bn) arms sale to Israel.Gregory Meeks said he would not back the transfer of 2,000lb (900kg) bombs to Israel over concerns they might not be used in accordance with international law. The New York congressman’s objection follows reports that the US is planning to supply Israel with 40,000 of what Meeks called “some of the most destructive munitions in our arsenal”.But his objection is not enough to stop the sale – President Donald Trump’s administration can sidestep Congress and…
Getty ImagesEarl Spencer (second from the left) said he disagreed with Charles over whether William and Harry should walk in Diana’s funeral processionBuckingham Palace has responded after a claim by Earl Spencer, the brother of Diana, Princess of Wales, that King Charles said “we’ll forget her soon enough” days after her death.Earl Spencer alleged the then-Prince of Wales subjected him to a “stream of anger” after he insisted Diana would not have wanted Princes William and Harry, then aged 15 and 12, to walk in her funeral procession.The claim was made in an extract from his upcoming memoir, published by…
National Transportation Safety BoardInvestigators have released new photos that show the stark aftermath of a news helicopter crash that killed three people in Los Angeles on Tuesday night.A scorched aircraft and charred storage container were being examined at the scene of the incident on Wednesday. The collision claimed the lives of NBC photojournalist Eliana Moreno and pilot George Marciniw.The third victim, a pedestrian, was identified as Edy Gutierrez Mejia, 29, by the coroner’s office.The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which is leading the investigation into the incident, said a report on the cause could take up to 18 months.Journalist and…
Getty ImagesThe US House of Representatives has agreed to hold billionaire Leon Black in contempt of Congress for defying a legal summons related to its investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Black, who had business ties to Epstein, did not comply with a subpoena ordering him to appear before the House Oversight Committee earlier this month and share documents related to Epstein. Lawyers for Black, who has sued over the summons, called the contempt move “outrageous”.After passage of the measure holding Black in contempt, Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer said: “No-one is above the law. We will continue to…
Getty ImagesSusie Wiles is the first woman to serve as White House Chief of Staff. White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles has announced she is free of cancer, exactly six months after she announced her diagnosis. In a post on X, Wiles said her pathology tests “came back clear” after a visit to the Mayo Clinic earlier this week. Wiles, 69, is considered among the most powerful figures in the Trump administration and someone particularly close to the US president. In her post, Wiles thanked Trump for his “unwavering support” and vowed to continue working to “advance his America…
Will Ed Sheeran cancel his tour as support acts quit?Singer Ed Sheeran is facing the biggest controversy of his career after a storm over a decision to drop support act Macklemore from his US stadium tour following the rapper’s on-stage pro-Palestinian comments.Sheeran is one of the most successful songwriters of all time. He has sold more than 120 million records and spent more than 1,000 weeks on the US album charts.Part of his appeal – apart from those insidiously catchy songs – is his everyman persona. He looks and dresses like a fan on the train home from Glastonbury, rather…
EPAMark Carney (left) walks alongside European Parliament President Roberta Metsola (centre) and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (right)The president of the European Commission has backed proposals for Canada to become the EU’s first “associate member”.Ursula von der Leyen told the European Parliament on Wednesday she wanted to work on “opening the door” for Canada, which would involve closer ties on various key sectors.Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney last week spoke of seeking a “unique alliance” with the EU. The country currently faces tense relations with the US, compounded by an intensifying dispute over trade.Without mentioning US President Donald…
LIVEUS central bank expected to raise interest rates for first time since 2023Interest rates, which influence mortgages and savings, could be increased today as the US Federal Reserve seeks to curb rising prices.