Authorities in Fiji are investigating allegations that a Virgin Australia crew member was sexually assaulted and another was robbed during New Year’s Eve celebrations in Nadi, a popular tourist destination.
The incidents reportedly occurred early Wednesday after the crew left a nightclub in Nadi, according to police and officials in the South Pacific nation.
“These alleged incidents are regrettable,” said Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka in a statement. “Our thoughts and concerns are with the alleged victims and for their health and wellbeing.”
Fijian police have questioned a suspect in connection with the alleged sexual assault, and investigations are ongoing, according to the country’s tourism and aviation ministry.
Virgin Australia confirmed it is aware of the incidents and has dispatched staff to provide support to the affected crew members. The Australian government has not issued a public comment.
The crew members were on an overnight layover when the incidents occurred. They are now staying in a local hotel and are expected to return home by the end of the week, Gavoka said.
“Regrettably, incidents like this can happen anywhere, and Fiji is not immune,” Gavoka added. “We always remind tourists to exercise caution in nightclub areas and late at night.”
Fiji welcomed nearly 77,000 visitors in November, primarily from Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, according to the latest tourism statistics.
Australia’s official travel advisory encourages its citizens to exercise normal safety precautions in Fiji, the lowest of the government’s four risk ratings for international travel.
Federal agents seized more than 150 homemade pipe bombs and other explosive devices from the Virginia home of Brad Spafford in December, marking what prosecutors say could be the largest seizure of such devices in FBI history.
The explosives were discovered during a search of Spafford’s home following his arrest on a firearms charge. Most of the devices, along with bomb-making tools and materials, were found in a detached garage, according to a federal court filing.
Prosecutors stated in a Monday filing that additional pipe bombs were located in a backpack inside Spafford’s bedroom, which he shares with his wife and two young children.
Spafford, 36, faces charges for possessing an unregistered short-barrel rifle, a violation of the National Firearms Act. Prosecutors said they are considering “numerous additional potential charges” related to the explosives.
Defense attorneys argued Tuesday that Spafford has no history of violence and questioned the functionality of the seized devices. They emphasized his clean criminal record and claimed there is no evidence that he posed a threat.
The investigation began in 2023 when an informant, a friend of Spafford’s, reported that he was stockpiling weapons and ammunition. According to court documents, the informant alleged that Spafford had injured his hand in 2021 while handling homemade explosives, leaving him with only two fingers on his right hand.
The informant also claimed that Spafford used images of President Joe Biden for target practice and voiced support for political assassinations.
On Dec. 17, federal agents and bomb technicians searched Spafford’s property, finding the rifle and explosive devices, some labeled “lethal” and others loaded into a wearable vest. Most devices were detonated on-site due to safety risks, while a few were preserved for further analysis.
At a hearing Tuesday, a judge ruled that Spafford could be placed under house arrest at his mother’s home. However, prosecutors argued for his continued detention, citing concerns about public safety.
Prosecutors noted Spafford’s possession of riot gear and his manufacturing of labeled pipe bombs as evidence of potential danger, despite no history of violent acts.
Nigeria will establish a National Credit Guarantee Company in May 2025 to provide loans to both businesses and individuals, President Bola Tinubu announced Wednesday.
Tinubu, who assumed office in May 2023, has emphasized economic reforms aimed at expanding access to credit to stimulate growth in the country’s economy.
“To achieve this, the federal government will establish the National Credit Guarantee Company to expand risk-sharing instruments for financial institutions and enterprises,” Tinubu said in a speech.
The initiative will involve collaboration with key government entities such as the Bank of Industry, the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (NCCC), the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), and the Ministry of Finance Incorporated. The plan also includes partnerships with private sector players and multilateral institutions.
“This initiative will strengthen the confidence of the financial system, expand credit access, and support under-served groups such as women and youth. It will drive growth, re-industrialisation, and improve living standards for our people,” Tinubu added.
The Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation, launched by Tinubu in May 2024, aims to improve access to credit for employed Nigerians. The initiative, which began with federal civil service employees, will soon be expanded to the general public.
The National Credit Guarantee Company is part of the administration’s broader efforts to boost credit access and support economic revitalization.
In the wake of the New Year’s Day terror attack on New Orleans’ Bourbon Street, details have surfaced about the life of the attacker, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S. Army veteran whose descent into financial ruin and isolation culminated in the horrific act.
Jabbar lived in a dilapidated trailer on the outskirts of Houston, where sheep, goats, and chickens roamed freely in his yard. The property, situated in a modest trailer park largely populated by Muslim immigrants, was just blocks from a local mosque. Neighbors described Jabbar as a quiet, reclusive man who rarely interacted with others in the community.
Jabbar once served in the U.S. Army for more than a decade, including a deployment to Afghanistan from 2009 to 2010. After leaving active duty in 2015 and transitioning to the reserves, his life took a downward turn. Public records and court documents reveal a man struggling with mounting debt, failed business ventures, and two contentious divorces.
In one email to his ex-wife’s attorney during his second divorce, Jabbar detailed over $16,000 in credit card debt and $28,000 in real estate business losses. “I cannot afford the house payment,” he wrote, signaling his dire financial situation.
Despite his challenges, authorities are investigating how Jabbar became radicalized, eventually carrying out an ISIS-inspired terror attack. Videos he posted online referenced the Quran, and officials confirmed he had traveled to Egypt for 10 days in the past year.
On New Year’s Day, Jabbar drove a rented Ford F-150 Lightning EV adorned with an ISIS flag into the crowded Bourbon Street, killing 15 and injuring dozens. The federal investigation is probing whether he acted alone or was part of a broader network.
Jabbar’s trailer park residence, now cordoned off by federal authorities, painted a stark picture of his decline. The once-proud Army staff sergeant had retreated into a life of seclusion, surrounded by animals and financial despair.
Neighbors expressed shock at the revelation of his actions. “He was just a simple person who kept to himself,” said one resident. Law enforcement sources, however, indicated that Jabbar had been preparing for his act of terror for some time, with signs of premeditation emerging from his digital footprint and travel history.
As investigators continue to piece together Jabbar’s life and motives, the community he left behind grapples with the devastating aftermath of his actions.
A military tribunal in the Democratic Republic of Congo has sentenced 13 soldiers to death on charges including murder, looting, and cowardice, as part of an effort to strengthen discipline within the armed forces.
The sentencing occurred Tuesday in Lubero, North Kivu province, where Congolese forces have been battling the Rwanda-backed M23 insurgency and other militia groups for nearly three years.
Local army spokesperson Mak Hazukay said instances of soldiers abandoning their positions have allowed enemy forces to advance in Lubero territory.
“Some of the soldiers who are supposed to be fighting the enemy at the front have shown a kind of indiscipline,” Hazukay said. “We had to organize this educational trial to set things right.”
The tribunal tried a total of 24 soldiers. In addition to the 13 death sentences, four soldiers received sentences ranging from two to ten years, six were acquitted, and one case was deferred for further investigation.
The military prosecutor, Kabala Kabundi, said the proceedings aimed to restore trust between the army and local communities.
“The hearings were intended to help rebuild the confidence of the population in their military forces,” Kabundi said.
All convicted soldiers pleaded not guilty and have five days to appeal their sentences. A lawyer representing one of the defendants confirmed they intend to appeal.
The death penalties come amid intensified fighting in North Kivu province, where Congolese forces face both the M23 rebellion and numerous other militia groups in a region plagued by long-standing instability.
Newly released CCTV footage shows how a masked burglar carried out a £10 million jewelry heist from a luxury mansion in St John’s Wood, London. The thief, described as moving “like a cat,” escaped with jewelry, designer handbags, and cash in one of the city’s most significant burglaries in recent years.
The stolen items belonged to Hong Kong socialite Shafira Huang, who was not home at the time of the December 7 incident. The Metropolitan Police and the family have offered rewards totaling up to £1.5 million for information leading to the thief’s capture or the recovery of the stolen goods.
The break-in began at around 5 p.m. GMT when the thief attempted to enter through a second-story window using what appeared to be a screwdriver or crowbar, leaving behind visible marks. After this failed, he climbed onto the roof and lowered himself into a large concrete gutter, entering the house via a bathroom window.
“The way he moved was extraordinary—like a cat,” said Csaba Virag, a spokesperson for Ms. Huang’s family.
The intruder avoided disturbing cosmetics on a bathroom sink and bypassed cash left in the room, suggesting he was targeting high-value items.
CCTV footage revealed the burglar navigating the five-story mansion, stuffing jewelry into a backpack. At one point, he came within seconds of crossing paths with a maid in the same hallway.
Mr. Virag noted the burglar initially appeared to plan an exit through a guest room window but was thwarted by safety locks. Instead, the thief left the house the same way he entered.
Among the stolen goods were Hermes Crocodile Kelly handbags, £15,000 in cash, and a trove of designer jewelry. The Metropolitan Police believe the thief, described as a white male in his late 20s to 30s, may have been armed.
“We urge anyone who was in the area of Avenue Road, NW8, and saw anything suspicious to contact us,” said Det. Con. Paulo Roberts of the Metropolitan Police.
A reward of £500,000 has been offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction. An additional reward, amounting to 10% of any recovered items’ value, could total up to £1.5 million.
Ms. Huang, a well-known socialite and prolific social media user, has since made her profiles private. The burglary occurred on Avenue Road, an affluent area known for its multi-million-pound properties.
Authorities are asking anyone with information about the stolen items, or those approached with offers to buy them, to contact police or Crimestoppers anonymously.
President Joe Biden delivered a heartfelt address from Camp David on Wednesday evening, responding to two tragic incidents that shook the nation: a deadly truck attack in New Orleans and a fiery explosion outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas.
In his remarks, Biden denounced the violence and pledged a full investigation into both events, while urging Americans to stand united in the face of such senseless tragedies.
“These acts of violence are despicable,” Biden said. “To the families of those who were killed, to all those who were injured, and to everyone grieving in New Orleans and Las Vegas, I want you to know that I grieve with you. Our nation stands with you.”
The president confirmed that federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies are investigating the incidents, including whether there is any connection between the attack in New Orleans, which left 15 dead and dozens injured, and the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck in Las Vegas that killed the driver and injured seven others.
Biden expressed his condolences to the families impacted by the New Orleans truck attack, which authorities are treating as a possible terrorist incident. “We are tracking all leads,” the president assured. “We will bring to justice those responsible for these heinous acts and ensure the safety of every American community.”
Turning to the Las Vegas explosion, Biden acknowledged the unsettling nature of the incident, which occurred outside a hotel partially owned by President-elect Donald Trump. “This morning’s explosion outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas is being thoroughly investigated,” he said. “I have directed federal agencies to work closely with local law enforcement to uncover the facts.”
A Nation Mourns
The president’s address was a solemn reminder of the pain these tragedies have inflicted on the nation. He praised first responders for their swift actions in both New Orleans and Las Vegas and extended his gratitude to the FBI, police, and fire departments.
“We owe our deepest thanks to the brave men and women who run toward danger to save lives,” Biden said.
Biden also used the moment to call for vigilance and resilience. “We must remain vigilant against those who wish to harm us, and we must come together to prevent such acts of violence in the future,” he said.
The president hinted at potential policy changes aimed at enhancing security and preventing mass violence, though he stopped short of announcing specific measures. “This is a moment to reflect, to grieve, but also to act,” Biden urged.
Shamsud-Din Jabbarwho killed the 10
In New Orleans, the truck used in the attack carried an Islamic State (IS) flag, and law enforcement officials discovered improvised explosive devices near the scene. Meanwhile, the Las Vegas explosion involved a Cybertruck filled with fuel canisters and fireworks mortars, parked outside the Trump International Hotel.
Both vehicles were rented through the car-sharing platform Turo, which has confirmed its cooperation with authorities. Investigators are probing whether there is a link between the two incidents and whether either qualifies as a terrorist attack.
Biden concluded his address with a message of reassurance and resilience. “To everyone feeling afraid, uncertain, or angry: We are a strong nation, and we will face this together,” he said. “We will heal, and we will honor those we’ve lost by building a safer, stronger future for all.”
As investigations continue, Biden pledged transparency and updates, urging the American people to remain united during this challenging time.
A 45-year-old gunman identified as Aleksandar Martinovic went on a deadly rampage Wednesday in the small town of Cetinje, Montenegro, killing at least 10 people and injuring four others critically, police said. This incident marks one of the worst mass shootings in the Balkan nation’s history.
The shooting began at a local restaurant, where Martinovic killed four people before moving on to three other locations. Among the victims were a family member, two children, and three other individuals, according to authorities.
Police reported that Martinovic, who had a history of illegal weapons possession, was heavily intoxicated before the attack. Witnesses said the suspect appeared agitated, sparking a confrontation that escalated into gunfire.
Martinovic remains at large, prompting a large-scale manhunt in the rugged hills surrounding Cetinje, a town located about 38 km (24 miles) west of the capital, Podgorica. Special police units, anti-terror squads, and a drone equipped with thermal imaging have been deployed in the search.
“The perimeter is narrowing. We are working tirelessly to apprehend the suspect and ensure public safety,” said Police Director Lazar Scepanovic.
Residents of Cetinje have been advised to stay indoors as police cordoned off parts of the town, which was eerily silent except for law enforcement activity.
Prime Minister Milojko Spajic called the shootings a “terrible tragedy” and declared three days of national mourning.
President Jakov Milatovic expressed his shock and grief, saying, “We are horrified by this attack. Our thoughts are with the victims, and we pray for the recovery of the injured.”
Flags across the nation were lowered to half-staff, and public gatherings were canceled as Montenegro mourned.
While Montenegro has a deeply rooted gun culture, mass shootings are rare in the country of 605,000 people. This tragedy comes just over a year after another mass shooting in Cetinje, where 11 people, including two children, were killed.
Officials have ruled out organized crime as a motive for Wednesday’s attack, stating that initial investigations point to personal disputes and heavy alcohol consumption as contributing factors.
Video footage from local news outlets showed law enforcement patrolling snow-covered streets adorned with festive holiday lights. Residents, still in shock, have retreated to their homes.
“This is a moment of collective grief and reflection for our nation,” said Spajic.
The investigation continues as police work to locate and apprehend the suspect. Authorities have not yet confirmed the motive behind the attack.
A Tesla Cybertruck exploded into flames early Wednesday morning outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, killing one person inside the vehicle and injuring seven others nearby. The incident is under investigation as a potential terrorist attack, authorities said.
The explosion occurred at approximately 8:40 a.m. local time, right outside the hotel’s glass entrance doors, according to Clark County/Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Sheriff Kevin McMahill.
The Cybertruck, reportedly rented through Turo, was engulfed in flames shortly after pulling up to the hotel’s porte cochère, officials said. Sheriff McMahill confirmed smoke was observed coming from the vehicle moments before the explosion.
Clark County Deputy Fire Chief Thomas Touchstone stated that seven bystanders suffered minor injuries, with two transported to the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada. Efforts are ongoing to recover the remains of the person inside the vehicle, whose identity and gender have not yet been determined.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who has been named a co-leader of former President Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency, denied that the incident was caused by the Cybertruck itself.
“We have now confirmed that the explosion was caused by very large fireworks and/or a bomb carried in the bed of the rented Cybertruck and is unrelated to the vehicle itself,” Musk posted on X (formerly Twitter).
The FBI has joined the investigation and is working alongside local law enforcement to determine if the explosion was intentional. Authorities are examining whether the incident is linked to the New Orleans truck attack hours earlier, in which a rented pickup truck plowed into New Year’s Eve revelers, killing at least 15 people. Both vehicles were rented through Turo.
The Trump International Hotel was evacuated, and guests were relocated to Resorts World Las Vegas. Social media videos showed thick black smoke billowing around the hotel, with sirens and loud blasts heard in the background.
Mary Lescano Paguada, a tourist from San Antonio staying at the Trump hotel, said she initially dismissed the explosion but quickly realized the severity of the situation as law enforcement responded.
“Once we reached the lobby, there was screaming, and staff told us to get out and not to breathe the smoke,” Paguada said. Guests were prohibited from returning to their rooms as officials secured the scene.
In a statement shared by Eric Trump on X, the Trump Organization expressed gratitude to first responders for their swift action. “The safety and well-being of our guests and staff remain our top priority,” the statement read.
The incident has drawn attention to the high-profile relationship between Musk and Trump. Musk recently pledged $277 million to Trump’s campaign and other Republican candidates, making him a key ally in Trump’s proposed second administration.
The investigation remains active, with authorities working to determine the motive and whether additional threats are present.
Law enforcement officials have identified Shamsud Din Jabbar, 42, as the suspect behind the deadly New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans’ French Quarter that left 10 people dead and 35 injured.
The attack, which occurred around 3:15 a.m. on Bourbon Street, saw Jabbar allegedly drive a pickup truck into a crowd of revelers before a shootout with police ended his life.
Witnesses described the horrifying moment the truck barreled through the packed street, forcing people to flee into nearby bars or jump to safety. “We heard the truck barrel by as more people piled in,” said local resident Jimmy Cothran, who witnessed the chaos from a nightclub balcony.
Law enforcement officials reported finding weapons and a potential improvised explosive device (IED) in Jabbar’s vehicle. The FBI is leading the investigation and working to determine if the devices were operational and connected to the attack.
Preliminary reports suggest Jabbar, a U.S. citizen born in Texas, had a black flag affixed to the hitch of the truck, which authorities are investigating for possible ties to ISIS.
Authorities are treating the incident as both a crime scene and a potential terrorist attack. Federal and local officials are examining whether Jabbar used a long gun to fire into the crowd during the attack, according to three senior law enforcement sources.
“We’re leaning in. We will be relentless, and we will do everything that it takes to render real justice,” New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell said during a press briefing.
Officials are also investigating the discovery of at least two possible IEDs in the vicinity of the attack.
A woman identifying herself as Jabbar’s sister-in-law expressed disbelief over the incident. “It don’t make no sense,” she said. “He’s the nicest person I’ve ever known. He takes care of his children and everything.”
She said family members from Texas were traveling to New Orleans.
In the wake of the attack, U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., called for prayers for the victims and first responders. “Please join me in praying for the victims and their families, as well as our first responders, in the wake of this horrific act of violence on Bourbon Street,” Scalise said in a statement on social media.
The investigation remains active, with federal and local agencies working together to uncover the full scope of the attack.
