Storm Claudia Kills Three in Portugal, Sparks Flooding Across Britain

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November 17, 2025

SRINAGAR, India (BN24)— A late-night explosion caused by the accidental detonation of seized explosives ripped through a police station in Indian-administered Kashmir on Friday, killing nine people and injuring 32 others, authorities said, in one of the region’s deadliest non-combat blasts in recent years.

The explosion occurred at 11:20 p.m. at the Nowgam police station in Srinagar, where officers had been handling a stockpile of explosives seized earlier in the week from Faridabad in the northern Indian state of Haryana. Police officials said the materials were being prepared for transfer to forensic experts when a mishap triggered the blast.

Nalin Prabhat, the region’s director general of police, described the event as “very unfortunate,” stressing that it occurred during routine procedures. He said the explosion unfolded abruptly, leaving officers with no opportunity to intervene. Authorities emphasized that the detonation was accidental and unrelated to terrorism. “Any other speculation into the cause of this incident is unnecessary,” Prabhat told journalists.

The blast sent a shockwave through the police compound, leveling parts of the station and inflicting heavy damage on adjoining structures. According to police, the force of the explosion engulfed several vehicles, leaving them charred and mangled. Debris was scattered widely, and fragments from the detonation reached residential areas surrounding the complex.

A source speaking to Reuters said the blast was so powerful that body parts were found in homes located 100 to 200 meters from the station. Most of the victims were police personnel who had been working inside or around the structure at the time. Among the dead were forensic specialists and two crime-scene photographers tasked with processing the seized material. A tailor accompanying the forensic team also died in the explosion.

Medical teams and emergency responders arrived quickly, moving the injured to hospitals across Srinagar as officers cordoned off the site and began preliminary assessments. The police station was left with extensive structural damage that officials said will require a full technical evaluation.

Manoj Sinha, the region’s lieutenant governor appointed by the federal government, expressed deep sorrow over the fatalities and injuries. In a statement posted on social media, he extended condolences to grieving families. He announced that a formal probe had been ordered to determine the precise circumstances leading to the accidental detonation. “Deeply anguished by the loss of precious lives due to an extremely tragic accidental blast at Nowgam police station in Srinagar,” he wrote. “I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.”

The incident occurred days after a car explosion in Delhi killed several people, an event the government labeled a terrorist attack. Officials in Kashmir, however, underscored that Friday’s blast bore no connection to terrorism and resulted solely from a mishandling of confiscated explosives.

UEFA hit Marseille with partial stadium closure over fan trouble

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November 16, 2025

PARIS, (BN24) — UEFA has imposed a partial stadium closure on Marseille for their next Champions League home match, issuing the punishment after a series of disruptive incidents involving supporters during the club’s 1-0 defeat to Atalanta earlier this month.

The governing body announced on Saturday that the sanctions resulted from crowd trouble at the November 5 match at the Stade Vélodrome, where home fans set off flares, threw projectiles onto the pitch, and directed laser pointers at players. UEFA said the actions constituted clear violations of its safety and disciplinary regulations, prompting immediate review and enforcement measures.

In addition to the restrictions on attendance, UEFA fined Marseille 71,000 euros. The penalty requires the club to close a section of the south stand for their Champions League fixture against Newcastle on November 25. The affected area typically houses some of the most vocal supporters in the stadium, and its closure is expected to significantly reduce the atmosphere that Marseille relies on in high-pressure European matches. The decision comes at a critical point in the group stage, with the club already navigating a challenging campaign and now facing a diminished home advantage.

UEFA also disciplined Marseille’s goalkeeping coach, Alexandre Salvat, issuing a two-match ban after he was found to have insulted a match official during the Atalanta game. The suspension removes him from the touchline for the next two European matches, limiting his involvement in preparations and in-game management during a crucial period of the competition. The ruling adds to the club’s disciplinary burden at a time when their conduct, both on the field and in the stands, has drawn repeated scrutiny.

The latest sanctions heighten pressure on Marseille as they work to contain supporter behavior that has contributed to multiple disciplinary issues this season. The club now faces the dual challenge of stabilizing performance in European competition while addressing concerns within its fan base to prevent further penalties that could impact both sporting results and the club’s reputation.

Nearly 70 schools in Australia closed over asbestos risk in play sand

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November 16, 2025

CANBERRA, Australia (BN24)— Nearly 70 schools in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) will close on Monday after authorities discovered that coloured play sand used in classrooms may contain asbestos. The closures follow a voluntary recall of the product by major retailers Kmart and Target and a government audit that found the sand is widely used across ACT public schools.

The ACT government identified 69 schools that stock the affected sand. These schools will remain closed to allow authorities to conduct safety assessments, clean-up, and remediation. An additional 23 schools will stay open. Of those, three have small amounts of the sand, which officials said are isolated and not affecting classroom activities, while the remaining 20 do not use any craft sand products.

“In line with our regulatory obligations, and in the interest of the safety of our students, staff, and community, we have decided to close some schools that have this product,” the government said in a statement.

The announcement comes after similar closures on Friday and national guidance from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission regarding Kadink Decorative Sand, another product used in schools that was found to contain traces of chrysotile asbestos.

Authorities emphasized that the recall is precautionary, based on preliminary results. More comprehensive scientific testing is underway to determine the full extent of contamination. Regulatory authorities have advised schools to stop using any identified sand products and follow recall and disposal instructions.

“Regulatory authorities are taking a precautionary approach to minimize any potential risk,” the government said. Officials added that the risk to human health from exposure to the sand is currently assessed as low and that clinical assessments are not required for those who may have been in contact with the products.

Deputy Chief Minister Yvette Berry, a Labor member for Ginninderra, north of Canberra, said authorities continue to monitor the situation and update families and staff.

“I know that this has been worrying for our families and staff,” Berry wrote on Facebook on Sunday afternoon. “Based on currently available information, the risk to human health from exposure to these products is assessed as low. Thank you to our community, we appreciate your patience and your understanding.”

Authorities stated that the audit will continue throughout the week to ensure that all affected products are identified and removed from schools. Parents and staff are being urged to follow official guidance and not attempt to handle any suspected sand themselves.

Coach John Beam dies after being shot at Laney College

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November 16, 2025

OAKLAND, California (BN24)— Legendary Laney College football coach John Beam died Friday morning after being shot on campus Thursday, the Oakland Police Department said. Authorities announced the arrest of a suspect early Friday.

Beam, who gained national attention on Netflix’s “Last Chance U,” had coached football in the Bay Area for more than 40 years. He stepped down from coaching last year to serve exclusively as Laney College’s athletic director.

The 27-year-old suspect, Cedric Irving, was taken into custody at 3:15 a.m. Friday, after being spotted at a Bay Area Rapid Transit station, police said. Irving matched the description of the person seen fleeing the scene after the shooting at Laney Fieldhouse shortly before noon Thursday. A gun recovered from Irving matched the caliber of casings and rounds collected at the crime scene.

Police said Irving knew Beam but did not have a personal relationship with him. Irving did not attend Laney College nor work there, but went to campus “for a specific reason” and had been known to loiter in the area. Authorities said Irving was not previously known to Oakland police and did not disclose a possible motive.

Beam was hospitalized in critical condition after the shooting and died around 10 a.m. Friday, according to Gloria Beltran of the Oakland Police Department.

Community leaders and colleagues remembered Beam as a mentor and role model. Piedmont Police Chief Frederick Shavies called Beam an “absolutely incredible human being” and said, “Our hearts are aching.”

Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee said Beam’s impact went beyond the football field. “Coach John Beam was a giant in Oakland and mentored thousands,” she said at a news conference Friday. “He gave Oakland’s youth their best chance. Coach Beam’s legacy isn’t measured in championships or statistics … it’s measured in the thousands of young people he believed in, mentored and refused to abandon, including my nephew.”

Beam’s death has sent shockwaves through the Bay Area football community and the many students whose lives he touched over decades of coaching and mentorship.

Lieutenant Yerima escapes alleged assassination attempt in Abuja, Nigeria

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November 16, 2025

ABUJA (BN24)— Nigerian Navy officer Lt. A.M. Yerima, who recently clashed publicly with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, reportedly escaped an assassination attempt Sunday evening in Abuja, according to military sources familiar with the incident.

Sources told Vanguard that Yerima was driving near the NIPCO Filling Station off the Line Expressway when he noticed two unmarked Hilux vans trailing him. The vehicles, described as white, without license plates, and occupied by unidentified men dressed in black, allegedly followed him through the route leading to Gado Nasco Way.

The officer was said to have detected the pursuit early and carried out what a source described as a “strategic maneuver,” allowing him to evade the suspected assailants without confrontation. The incident was reported to have taken place around 6:30 p.m.

Military authorities have launched an investigation, with one source stressing that the case is receiving “the seriousness it deserves.” Officials said additional information is being withheld to avoid jeopardizing ongoing inquiries.

The development comes days after Lt. Yerima was involved in a heated altercation with FCT Minister Wike at a disputed land site in the Gaduwa District. The confrontation, captured in a viral video, drew widespread backlash and triggered intervention from the Presidency, which paused the demolition exercise that led to the dispute.

Following the clash, military veterans across the country condemned Wike’s remarks toward the officer. Many criticized the minister for publicly insulting Yarima and resisted calls for disciplinary action against the naval officer.

Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, spokesman for the Coalition of Retired Veterans, said former service members would “occupy the office and residence of the FCT Minister” should any punishment be issued against Yerima. He emphasized that military officers swear allegiance to the nation rather than to individual political figures and argued that the minister should apologize.

He questioned the propriety of Wike’s conduct, asking how a public officeholder could call a commissioned officer “a fool” on camera, saying such behavior undermines national institutions and diminishes the integrity of high office.

Minister of Defence Mohammad Badaru Abubakar later assured the public that no service member acting within the scope of lawful duty would face sanctions over the altercation. Speaking at a ministerial briefing for the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebrations at the National Defence College, he reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to protecting personnel performing authorized duties.

“We will always protect officers and our armed forces personnel on lawful duty,” Badaru said. “Any officer on lawful duty will be protected if he is doing his job lawfully and doing it well.” Veterans had previously signaled readiness to mobilize nationwide and occupy the FCT Ministry if Lt. Yerima was subjected to disciplinary measures.

United Airline flight forced to make emergency landing in St. Louis after passenger made bomb threat

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November 16, 2025

A United Airlines flight traveling from Dallas to Chicago made an emergency landing in St. Louis on Sunday morning after a passenger allegedly threatened that a bomb was in his wife’s luggage, prompting a security scare that halted the flight mid-route and triggered a law enforcement response on the ground.

United flight 380, which departed Dallas at 6:57 a.m., diverted to Lambert St. Louis International Airport shortly before 8:40 a.m. after crew members alerted authorities to the reported threat. A male passenger was taken into custody after telling others there was a bomb inside his wife’s bag, according to sources who spoke with the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Airport director Rhonda Hamm-Niebruegge said the aircraft was met by emergency personnel before passengers were evacuated onto the concourse as the bomb and arson unit began inspecting the jet.

More than two hours after landing, investigators were still searching the aircraft, Hamm-Niebruegge said, while confirming there were no reported injuries among passengers or crew. United said in a statement that the aircraft landed “to address a potential security concern” and that law enforcement had searched and cleared the plane. The airline added that the flight was expected to continue on to Chicago later in the afternoon once authorities completed their work.

The incident occurred less than two weeks after a separate bomb threat on a United flight traveling from Houston to Washington, D.C., on Nov. 4, which resulted in a temporary ground stop at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Virginia. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy later confirmed that the aircraft landed safely and that the Federal Aviation Administration ultimately issued an all clear.

The latest scare comes as U.S. travelers continue to face widespread delays following a prolonged government shutdown that concluded last week after more than 40 days. Thousands of flights were canceled nationwide after the FAA ordered a 10 percent reduction in air traffic when unpaid air traffic controllers began missing shifts, forcing the agency to restrict operations to prevent safety risks. The shortage of controllers has persisted for years, and multiple presidential administrations have asked retirement-age controllers to remain on duty to maintain staffing levels.

Ecuadorian drug gang leader captured in Spain years after faking his death

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November 16, 2025

An Ecuadorian drug trafficker who vanished from public view after faking his death during the COVID-19 pandemic has been captured in Spain, authorities said Sunday, ending years of pursuit for a man considered one of Ecuador’s most dangerous criminal figures.

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa confirmed that Wilmer Chavarría, known as “Pipo,” was arrested in the southern Spanish city of Málaga in a joint operation with Spanish police. Spain’s National Police posted an image on X showing Chavarría in a black and green tracksuit as officers escorted him toward a patrol car.

Chavarría is believed to be the leader of Los Lobos, a powerful Ecuadorian drug trafficking organization with an estimated 8,000 members and recently designated a terrorist group by the United States. The gang has been tied to political assassinations in Ecuador and is accused of collaborating with Mexico’s Jalisco New Generation Cartel.

According to Noboa, Chavarría staged his own death in 2021, secured a new identity and settled in Spain, where he continued running Los Lobos operations from abroad. Authorities say he coordinated drug shipments, ordered killings and oversaw extortion schemes targeting gold mines in Ecuador.

Once regarded as one of South America’s safest nations, Ecuador has seen a dramatic surge in homicides and violent crime as drug trafficking groups fight for control of ports and coastal corridors used to move cocaine from Colombia and Peru. Political candidates, local officials and journalists have been attacked amid the escalating turf wars.

Chavarría’s arrest comes as Ecuadorians head to the polls for a four-part referendum that includes a proposal to amend the constitution to allow foreign militaries to establish bases inside the country. Noboa has argued the measure would strengthen cooperation with the United States and bolster efforts to crack down on transnational drug cartels.

At least 4 dead after 2 migrant boats capsize off Libya, Red Crescent says

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November 16, 2025

At least four people died after two overcrowded migrant boats capsized off Libya’s coast on Saturday, rescue workers said, marking the latest tragedy along one of the world’s deadliest migration routes. The Libyan Red Crescent confirmed the four deaths among 26 Bangladeshi nationals traveling on one of the vessels, which sank shortly after leaving the port city of Al Khums in northwestern Libya.

Authorities said a second boat carrying roughly 70 migrants, most of them from Sudan, also capsized, but it remained unclear whether additional fatalities occurred. The two vessels were navigating the central Mediterranean route between North Africa and Italy, a passage the U.N. International Organization for Migration describes as the deadliest known migration corridor globally.

The Red Crescent released images showing its rescue teams assisting survivors onshore and black body bags laid out as recovery efforts continued. The organization did not immediately provide further details on the condition of those pulled from the water.

A Red Crescent worker moves a body bag, after two boats carrying migrants capsized off the Libyan coastal city of Al Khums causing multiple casualties, in a location given as Khums, Libya, November 15, 2025. LIBYAN RED CRESCENT SOCIETY IN KHUMS/Handout via REUTERS

Hundreds die each year attempting the dangerous voyage across the Mediterranean in overcrowded and unseaworthy boats. More than 1,500 people have died or gone missing in 2025 so far, according to IOM data, with roughly a third of those deaths occurring off Libya’s coast. The North African country has been the departure point for most of the nearly 59,000 people who have reached Europe this year via the central Mediterranean route, according to Frontex, the European Union’s border security agency.

The incident follows another deadly episode earlier in the week, when dozens of migrants who departed Libya aboard a small boat were reported missing and presumed dead after it capsized. Seven survivors from Sudan, Somalia, Cameroon and Nigeria were rescued after drifting at sea for nearly a week.

Eastern Congo hospital attack by Islamic State-backed rebels kills 17

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November 16, 2025