Philadelphia mass shooting in Fairmount Park leaves 2 dead, 9 injured
A mass shooting on Monday night in Philadelphia's Fairmount Park left two people dead and at least nine others wounded, Reuters reported citing ABC News-affiliated TV station WPVI.
(This is a developing story)
(With inputs from Reuters)
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Ex-Sri Lanka off-spinner Sachithra Senanayake indicted on charges of match-fixing
According to local media reports, Senanayake made the corrupt approach to another national player Tharindu Ratnayake, who was playing for Colombo Kings in the inaugural Lanka Premier League in 2020. read more Sachithra Senanayake had played one Test as well as 49 ODIs and 24 T20Is for Sri Lanka from 2012 to 2016, collecting a total of 78 wickets across formats. Reuters Former Sri Lanka off-spinner Sachithra Senanayake has been indicted by the Hambantota High Court for attempting to lure a fellow player for match-fixing during the 2020 Lanka Premier League (LPL) . The Attorney General's Department said this becomes the first such indictment of a national level cricketer for match-fixing under the country's recently-introduced anti-corruption law. He was arrested and released on bail in 2023. The 40-year-old played one Test, 49 ODIs and 24 T20 Internationals for Sri Lanka between 2012 and 2016 for a combined haul of 78 wickets. He was a member of Sri Lanka's 2014 T20 World Cup-winning squad. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to local media reports, he made the corrupt approach to another national player Tharindu Ratnayake, who was playing for Colombo Kings at that time. 'Senanayake is also alleged to have contacted two other cricketers participating in the inaugural LPL in 2020 via telephone from Dubai, attempting to persuade them to engage in match-fixing,' a report in the Sri Lankan Daily Mirror stated.
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Why Giorgia Meloni's 'anti-protest' law has divided Italy
Italy's new security law, pushed through by PM Giorgia Meloni's right-wing government, is stoking nationwide outrage. From harsher protest penalties and a ban on cannabis light to legal cover for police, critics warn it criminalises dissent and threatens civil liberties. Protests, international concerns and Senate drama have all followed read more Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni waits for the arrival of French President Emmanuel Macron, at Palazzo Chigi, in Rome, Italy, June 3, 2025. File Image/Reuters A new security decree introduced by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's right-wing coalition government has divided Italy. Approved by the Senate with 109 votes in favour, 69 against, and one abstention, the legislation has sparked a backlash from opposition lawmakers, human rights bodies and legal groups, who argue that it undermines fundamental freedoms and disproportionately punishes marginalised communities. The decree expands legal authority for law enforcement, imposes stricter penalties on demonstrators, and introduces a variety of criminal provisions touching on protests, public order, cannabis regulation, and social housing. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While the government insists the law is a necessary measure to safeguard security, critics see it as a repressive attempt to criminalise dissent and curb civil liberties in one of Europe's major democracies. What the new security law in Italy comprises Among the central features of the law is the criminalisation of disruptive protest tactics, such as blocking roads and defacing public monuments—methods commonly used by environmental activists and other political movements in Italy. Participation in sit-ins, particularly when they affect transportation or public property, may now lead to criminal prosecution and even prison time. The law also introduces new criminal categories tied to unrest inside prisons and migrant detention facilities. Notably, acts that had previously been treated as non-violent expressions of dissent — such as passive resistance — now carry the risk of formal charges. Tougher sentences are introduced for individuals accused of inciting or participating in riots within detention centres. Critics say this expansion of legal definitions could lead to disproportionate punishment for migrants and incarcerated individuals, especially in situations where the use of force by the state is already under scrutiny. Evictions of people occupying vacant buildings — especially those used for informal housing — will now proceed under stricter rules. Squatting, which was earlier treated with leniency in some cases due to Italy's housing crisis, will now invite potentially severe penalties, including longer prison terms. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to lawyer Cesare Antetomaso from the National Association of Democratic Lawyers, 'There is a drastic increase in penalties for occupying buildings to live in,' adding that the housing crisis should be addressed through welfare policy, not criminal enforcement. One of the decree's most controversial provisions bans the sale of 'cannabis light,' a legal form of hemp that contains only trace amounts of THC and does not have psychoactive effects. This decision has enraged business owners who argue that the move will destroy an entire legal market, cost thousands of jobs, and result in major financial losses in an already fragile economy. Another provision removes a long-standing legal exemption that allowed convicted pregnant women or mothers of small children to avoid incarceration or serve sentences in alternative facilities. The government justifies the move by claiming the rule was being exploited by repeat offenders, particularly among Roma women. Gianni Berrino, a senator from the Brothers of Italy party, defended this position by stating, 'It's useless to say that this decree is inhumane, because women who have children in order to steal are not worthy of having them.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How this law changes protection for police Under the new law, significantly enhanced protections have been granted to police and armed forces personnel. Officers under investigation or standing trial for actions committed during duty — including the use of force — will be eligible for legal assistance of up to €10,000. The legislation also establishes specific penalties for causing injury to law enforcement officers during demonstrations. An especially controversial aspect concerns the increased discretion granted to intelligence services, whose agents may now commit certain criminal acts without facing prosecution, provided these are justified on grounds of national security. Human rights watchdogs and opposition politicians have condemned this clause as a threat to democratic oversight and accountability. Meloni's government, which won power in the 2022 general election and has remained popular in polls, has described the law as part of a broader initiative to restore order and strengthen Italy's internal security. 'With the final approval of the Security Decree in the Senate, the Government takes a decisive step to strengthen the protection of citizens, the most vulnerable groups and our men and women in uniform,' Meloni said following the Senate vote. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Party leaders have frequently linked their legal reforms to public demands for tougher governance. 'Order, security and legality are at the heart of the Meloni government's actions,' said Carolina Varchi, a deputy from the Brothers of Italy party. 'Challenging this decree means, in effect, turning one's back on the demand for security that comes from citizens.' How the new security law has divided Italy The opposition, led by centre-left parties, has reacted strongly both inside and outside Parliament. During the final Senate vote, lawmakers from the Democratic Party staged a protest on the chamber floor, chanting 'shame, shame' and sitting down in defiance of protocol. Elly Schlein, the party's leader, accused the government of using the law to silence political opposition: 'It is a decree that is not about more security, but about more repression.' Francesco Boccia, a senior Democratic Party senator, condemned the criminalisation of youth activism and labour protests: 'We challenge a government that wants to imprison children, students who strike and protesters outside factories.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On Saturday, May 31, thousands of demonstrators marched through central Rome under heavy police presence, braving intense heat to protest the law. Participants carried trade union and Palestinian flags, chanting slogans and calling for the law's repeal. Speaking at the protest, Cesare Antetomaso of the National Association of Democratic Lawyers told AFP, 'We consider this law the biggest attack on the freedom to dissent in the history of the Italian republic.' He specifically criticised its approach to housing and homelessness: 'There is a drastic increase in penalties for occupying buildings to live in. The housing crisis cannot be solved with seven-year prison sentences for those without shelter, but with various social policies.' Human rights institutions have also issued multiple warnings about the decree's compatibility with international law. The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O'Flaherty, expressed deep concern in a letter to Senate President Ignazio La Russa, warning the law could compromise protections for protesters, migrants, and young activists under European standards. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights has earlier raised red flags, stating that several provisions in the law could 'undermine the fundamental tenets of criminal justice and the rule of law.' In two separate communications, eight United Nations Special Rapporteurs had intervened. Six of them highlighted how the decree might breach obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Meanwhile, the Special Rapporteurs on housing and poverty pointed to violations of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, particularly concerning the criminalisation of squatting and homelessness. Also Watch: With inputs from agencies
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Swiping is risky? Why Americans have been warned against using dating apps in Mexico
The US Consulate General in Guadalajara has issued a warning to Americans about the risks of using dating apps in Mexico. According to the advisory, some American tourists were abducted after meeting individuals through these platforms. The incidents took place in Puerto Vallarta in Jalisco and Nuevo Nayarit in Nayarit, both popular beach destinations. Notably, travellers have been urged to stay cautious when meeting new people and to avoid private spaces such as homes or hotel rooms read more The alert has come from the US Consulate General based in Guadalajara. Pixabay/Representational Image A warning has been issued for Americans over the dangers linked to dating apps in Mexico. The alert has come from the US Consulate General in Guadalajara. As per the Pew Research Center, around three in ten Americans have used a dating app. These platforms have quickly turned into a popular way for people to find partners. ALSO READ | Who was Valeria Marquez, Mexican influencer shot dead during TikTok livestream? Why has the US Embassy in Mexico warned American tourists about using dating apps there? What exactly did the embassy say in its warning? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Let's get you the answers to these questions and more. Why American travellers have been warned against using dating apps in Mexico American travellers have been advised against using dating apps in Mexico following a series of recent kidnappings. The warning came from the US Consulate General in Guadalajara, which said that some American visitors had been abducted by individuals they met through dating apps. The incidents took place in Puerto Vallarta in Jalisco and Nuevo Nayarit in Nayarit, both popular beach destinations. 'Victims and their family members in the United States have at times been extorted for large sums of money to secure their release,' the consulate said. It also said that such violence is not limited to a geographic region. Tourists have been urged to be cautious when meeting new people. Officials advised arranging meetings in public places and avoiding private spaces like homes or hotel rooms. In case of a security threat, visitors are encouraged to contact local police by dialling 911. Reuters/Representational Image The warning follows a broader travel advisory from the US State Department. Jalisco has been placed under 'Level 3: Reconsider Travel' due to crime and kidnappings, while Nayarit falls under 'Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution'. 'Travellers should use caution when meeting strangers; meet only in public places and avoid isolated locations, such as residences or hotel rooms, where crimes are most likely to occur,' the consulate said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In case of a security threat, visitors are encouraged to contact local police by dialling 911. 'US citizens in need of emergency consular services should contact their nearest US embassy or consulate.' Figures from the Pew Research Center show that around three in ten Americans have used a dating app. While these platforms have become a common way to meet partners, they have also seen a rise in related scams and crimes. US Embassy's safety tips for Mexico In its press release, the US Embassy shared several safety tips for those using dating apps in Mexico: Be careful when using dating apps while in the country. Arrange to meet only in public areas and steer clear of isolated spots. Inform a friend or family member about your plans, including details such as your destination, the person you are meeting, and the app used. Trust your instincts. If something feels off, leave the situation immediately. In an emergency, dial 911. A drop in border crossings has led certain Mexican cartels to shift to kidnapping instead.. Reuters/File Photo How Americans are being kidnapped by Mexican cartels According to a News Nation report last month, a drop in border crossings has led certain Mexican cartels to shift to kidnapping instead. Reuters reported in February that illegal crossings at the US-Mexico border were expected to hit a record monthly low. One such case took place in April, when two American citizens were abducted outside a restaurant in Juarez. They were held for around three days in a house before being rescued by the FBI and a local anti-kidnapping unit. During the rescue, authorities recovered three guns and a sum of cash. The captors had been demanding money in exchange for the victims' release.
