CRYPTO ROAST

👉 US Probes Leak of Israel’s Iran Attack Plans ⏺ The U.S. is investigating leaked classified documents detailing Israel's retaliatory plans against Iran, which circulated on Telegram. ⏺ House Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed the Pentagon's involvement in the probe. The documents reveal Israeli military preparations following a recent Iranian missile attack. President Biden acknowledged awareness of Israel's intentions while hinting at possible diplomatic solutions to ease tensions. ➡️ FIVE

🟢 Israel Warns of Imminent Strikes on Hezbollah Sites in Beirut 🟢 The Israeli military has warned residents in 24 areas of Lebanon, including Beirut, of upcoming strikes targeting Hezbollah's financial infrastructure. 🟢 Airstrikes have already hit Hezbollah-controlled areas, while the group responded with rocket fire at Israeli military bases. Civilians near targeted sites are urged to evacuate immediately. ➡️ FIVE

🔄 Moldovans Reject EU Constitution Change in Surprise Vote 🟢 Early results from Moldova’s referendum show 56% voting against a pro-EU constitutional change, defying predictions of strong support for joining the EU. 🟢 Pro-European President Maia Sandu leads the presidential race but faces a run-off with pro-Russian candidate Aleksandr Stoianoglo. The turnout surpassed 50%, making the referendum valid. ➡️ FIVE

👉 Sir Chris Hoy Diagnosed with Terminal Cancer ⏺ Six-time Olympic cycling champion Sir Chris Hoy has revealed his cancer is terminal, with doctors estimating he has two to four years to live. The 48-year-old Scot has stage four prostate cancer that has spread to his bones. ⏺ Diagnosed last year after a routine scan, Hoy remains positive and grateful for medical care. He reassured fans on Instagram that he feels "fit, strong, and positive." Hoy continues to work as a BBC Sport commentator after retiring in 2013. ➡️ FIVE

🟢 Seven Dead in Ferry Dock Collapse on Sapelo Island ⏺ A ferry dock collapsed during a cultural celebration on Sapelo Island, Georgia, killing at least seven people and sending 20 into the water. The incident occurred around 4:30 PM local time, prompting search and rescue operations. ⏺ President Biden and Governor Kemp expressed their condolences and pledged assistance. The cause of the collapse is under investigation. ➡️ FIVE

👉 Three Killed, Eight Injured in Mississippi Post-Game Shooting ⏺ Three people died and eight were injured in a mass shooting near Lexington, Mississippi, after a high school football celebration early Saturday. The gunfire erupted following a fight among attendees, leading to chaos as hundreds fled the scene. ⏺ This incident highlights ongoing concerns about gun violence in the U.S., with 420 mass shootings reported this year. ➡️ FIVE

🗣 Cuba Restores Power After Second Island-Wide Blackout ⏺ Cuba is gradually restoring electricity after a second grid collapse in 24 hours, affecting most of the island's 10 million residents. Power has returned to some areas, including hospitals and parts of Havana, though much of the island remains in darkness. ⏺ Authorities blamed deteriorating infrastructure, fuel shortages, and recent strong winds for the outages. Efforts to fully restore the grid continue amid warnings of more bad weather from Hurricane Oscar. ➡️ FIVE

🟢 Polish Funeral Home Apologises After Body Falls from Hearse into Traffic ⏺ A funeral home in Poland has apologised after a body fell out of a hearse and into traffic in Stalowa Wola. A driver initially feared he had hit someone when he saw the body in the road. ⏺ Hades funeral services blamed a technical failure with the hearse's tailgate and expressed regret, assuring the public that this incident did not reflect their usual high standards. ➡️ FIVE

👉 Calls to Ban Under-18s from Pop Bands After Liam Payne's Tragic Death ⏺ Following the death of Liam Payne, songwriter Guy Chambers is urging the music industry to stop working with under-18s, citing the potential harm of young artists in the spotlight. Payne’s fall from fame highlighted the lack of support for young stars. ⏺ Chambers, along with other industry figures, believes better mental health care and protection are needed for young talent, with many calling for stricter age limits in the industry. ➡️ FIVE

🗣 Musk Promises $1M Daily to Voters for Trump Campaign ⏺ Elon Musk's America Pac will give $1 million daily to voters who sign a petition promoting Republican registration in key states. ⏺ The petition is open to all Pennsylvania voters, with Musk potentially spending $17 million by election day. His Pac manages Trump’s ground game, though some canvassing efforts face fraud concerns. ➡️ FIVE

🟢 Harris Pushes Abortion Rights, Early Voting in Atlanta Rally ⏺ Kamala Harris rallied a large Atlanta crowd, focusing on abortion rights and urging early voting. She criticized Trump’s recent cancellations, calling him "exhausted." ⏺ Usher and others highlighted the election's impact on future generations, with Harris promoting support for families and Black entrepreneurs. With record early voting turnout, she encouraged voters to bring change. ➡️ FIVE

🟢 Sydney Beaches Reopen After Tar Ball Cleanup ⏺ Sydney's beaches, including the iconic Bondi, have reopened for swimming following a cleanup of mysterious tar-like balls that washed ashore. ⏺ The balls were found to be made of fatty acids and chemicals typically found in cleaning and cosmetic products, though their exact origin remains unknown. Health officials noted the balls are not highly toxic to humans but advised against touching them. Investigations into the source of the pollution are ongoing. ➡️ FIVE

🗣 Canada Issues Warning to Indian Diplomats Over Anti-Sikh Links ⏺ Canada's Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly has warned Indian diplomats following the expulsion of six officials linked to the assassination of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Allegations suggest Indian diplomats were involved in threats and homicides against Sikh separatists in Canada. ⏺ The situation escalated with U.S. charges against an Indian official for a foiled plot to kill a Sikh leader in New York. India has denied the allegations and retaliated by expelling Canada's acting high commissioner. ➡️ FIVE

👉 Cuba Faces Nationwide Blackout After Power Grid Collapse ⏺ Cuba plunged into a total blackout on Friday after the Antonio Guiteras power plant failed, leaving 10 million people without electricity. Although some power was restored by evening, officials attributed the crisis to deteriorating infrastructure and fuel shortages. ⏺ The government closed schools, businesses, and non-essential services while it worked to restore power. Ongoing economic hardships have been worsened by reduced fuel imports from suppliers like Venezuela, highlighting the island's struggles with aging infrastructure and rising demand. ➡️ FIVE

🟢 Somali Journalist Abducted in Night-Time Raid by Security Agents ⏺ Somali journalist Abduqadir Mohamed Nur, known as "Jakarta," was arrested by intelligence agents in a night raid, according to the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS). The union condemned the arrest as a violation of press freedom, linking it to Nur's critical reporting on state security forces. ⏺ This arrest follows a series of similar actions against journalists in Somalia, raising concerns about the increasing suppression of independent media in the country. ➡️ FIVE

🗣 Paris SUV Driver Charged with Murder After Cyclist Run Over in Road Rage Incident ⏺ A 52-year-old SUV driver, identified as Ariel M, has been charged with murder after allegedly running over and killing 27-year-old cyclist Paul Varry in a road rage incident in Paris. ⏺ The driver, attempting to pass traffic, drove into a cycle lane, ran over Varry’s foot, and then, after a confrontation, allegedly turned his wheels towards Varry and fatally struck him. The case has sparked renewed debate about the dangers of SUVs and road safety in Paris. ➡️ FIVE

👉 Mexico Navy Seizes Over 8 Tonnes of Illicit Cargo in Record-Breaking Drug Bust 🟢 Mexico's navy arrested 23 people in its largest-ever maritime drug bust, seizing over eight tonnes of illicit cargo off the country's south-western Pacific coast. The drugs, valued at $105 million, were found on six boats, one of which was a submersible. 🟢 This operation, the largest of its kind in Mexican maritime history, also seized 8,700 litres of fuel. The detainees and assets were handed over to authorities for further investigation. This comes after a series of significant drug busts in the same area in recent months. ➡️ FIVE

🟢 Kentucky Man Declared Brain Dead Wakes Up During Organ Harvesting Surgery ⏺ Anthony Thomas "TJ" Hoover II, declared brain dead after a drug overdose, shocked his family when he woke up during an organ harvesting procedure. Despite doctors claiming he had no brain activity, the surgery was halted when Hoover began showing signs of life. ⏺ His case is now under investigation by state and federal authorities. Hoover's family hopes that by going public with their story, they can help prevent similar incidents from happening to others. ➡️ FIVE

🗣 Moldovans Head to Polls for Crucial Presidential Election and EU Membership Referendum ⏺ Pro-Western President Maia Sandu is seeking a second term and hopes to cement EU accession as a constitutional goal. However, concerns over Russian interference loom large, with accusations of vote-buying and destabilization efforts. ⏺ Sandu's main rival, Alexandr Stoianoglo, favors closer ties with Moscow. This vote is seen as a pivotal moment for Moldova’s future, as it navigates between Russia's influence and a pro-European path. ➡️ FIVE

🟢 China and Myanmar Tie for Worst Internet Freedom in 2024, Report Says ⏺ For the first time, China’s infamous “Great Firewall” isn’t the only worst offender for internet freedom. A new report by Freedom House reveals Myanmar has now matched China’s last-place ranking due to severe censorship and surveillance since its 2021 coup. ⏺ The report highlights internet shutdowns, VPN bans, and online crackdowns aimed at silencing dissent. Global internet freedom continues to decline, with both China and Myanmar scoring just 9 out of 100 in 2024. ➡️ FIVE