Brazil’s Lula bans online gambling ahead of presidential election
Brazilian President Lula has signed a provisional order banning online gambling and sports betting ahead of the country’s presidential election, citing addiction and income losses.
Roads flood in New Jersey, inundate some homes, as first major signs of nor’easter take shape
A powerful nor’easter is bringing dangerous conditions to the U.S. East Coast, with roads flooded in coastal New Jersey communities and widespread power outages expected through the weekend.
Bangkok roads submerged as flood disaster declared
Bangkok has declared a flood emergency after 48 hours of heavy rain submerged roads across the Thai capital, with all 50 districts designated emergency zones.
The U.S. has more thalidomide survivors than the government admits
The U.S. government acknowledges only 17 thalidomide survivors, but advocates say there are roughly 100 Americans born with the drug’s signature limb deformities, seeking federal recognition and compensation.
Athens explosion: One dead and five missing in blast near Acropolis in Plaka district
An explosion destroyed a building in Athens’ historic Plaka district near the Acropolis, killing at least one person and leaving five missing. Emergency crews are searching rubble at the collapsed structure, with a gas leak suspected as the cause.
There’s a global pandemic treaty that’s signed — and in ‘limbo.’ What’s the holdup?
A WHO pandemic treaty adopted in May 2025 remains in limbo as countries struggle to finalize details on pathogen data sharing and vaccine equity, with negotiations continuing toward a May 2027 deadline.