NewsGlobal roundup: Social media arsons to U.S. politics shake-up
Global roundup: Social media arsons to U.S. politics shake-up
This happened while you were sleeping. Here's what the world agencies reported overnight from Monday to Tuesday.
- Series of arsons in Finland. "Competition" on social media. In the city of Espoo, Finland, PAP has reported several arsons. About a dozen buildings, mostly abandoned and uninhabited, have been burnt down there. Local police suspect the actions of several groups, motivated by a "challenge" posted on social media. Among the buildings set ablaze was an elementary school. Two 15-year-olds have been arrested in connection with these incidents. The teenagers were interrogated on Monday and confessed to the crimes, as reported by the "Helsingin Sanomat" newspaper. Police are investigating multiple fires, with suspected causes including arson and acts of vandalism. School-aged individuals are also among the suspects. "It's quite alarming that we're witnessing some sort of 'competition' on Snapchat or TikTok. The youth see it as fun, failing to grasp the consequences," said the investigating officer, Commissioner Klaus Geiger.
- Russian general arrested on accusations of criminal activity. Yuri Kuznetsov, a Russian general responsible for personnel matters, has been arrested on charges of criminal activity, reported by Reuters Agency, citing TASS. A security services source reached by the Russian agency affirmed Kuznetsov "was detained as a suspect in a criminal offense." "The case is being investigated by the Main Military Investigation Department of the Russian Investigative Committee," the source informed. He added that investigators have requested a pre-trial detention order from the court. Pro-government military bloggers have suggested that Kuznetsov's absence from work was due to the investigation.
- A billboard collapses in Mumbai, resulting in at least 14 fatalities. A billboard collapsed onto several homes and a gas station on a busy street in Mumbai, India, during a storm, as reported by Reuters Agency. Local authorities confirmed that at least 14 people have died, with dozens injured. The collapse trapped numerous individuals under the rubble. The rescue operation was extended until Tuesday morning. Mumbai officials reported that at least 74 people were hospitalised with injuries, with 31 of them already discharged. Lightning strikes during the storm disrupted traffic in parts of the city and affected airport operations.
- An unannounced visit from the U.S. to Kyiv sends a "strong signal". U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Kyiv on Tuesday. His unannounced visit follows the United States Congress's approval of a delayed military aid package for Ukraine worth approximately £46 billion last month. The visit signifies the United States' support for Ukraine, currently repelling heavy Russian attacks on its northeastern border, as highlighted by Reuters. Antony Blinken, arriving in Kyiv by train early in the morning, noted his hope "strong signal of reassurance to the Ukrainians," as stated by a U.S. official who briefed reporters travelling with Blinken anonymously.
- Latest U.S. poll findings: Trump's lead over Biden in critical states. Donald Trump is significantly ahead of Joe Biden in five out of the six crucial states where Biden won in the 2020 presidential elections, according to the latest poll by Siena College and "The New York Times". The poll indicates Biden is losing support among the youngest voters, Latinos and African Americans. Trump shows a double-digit lead in Nevada (50-38 percent) and Georgia (49-39 percent). In Arizona and Michigan, Trump leads by approximately seven percentage points (49-42 percent), and in Pennsylvania, by three percentage points (47-44 percent). Wisconsin remains a crucial state where Biden is ahead, albeit by a slim margin of two percentage points (47-45 percent).
