THE REGISTER
could not rule out the possibility — BBC News
Ten dead in Ekurhuleni tavern shootings as police commissioner declines to rule out serial killer.
The morning's most fully accounted human event reached four outlets; the storm reached nine.
Today's stories
More from today's coverage, told in the same calm voice.
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Pope Leo XIV draws 800,000 to Paris Mass
Pope Leo XIV celebrated an open-air Mass in central Paris attended by an estimated 800,000 people, marking one of the largest public gatherings in the city in recent memory. The pontiff praised young people for their energy and commitment during the service. The visit also included a stop at Lourdes, the Catholic pilgrimage site in southern France. The trip was shadowed by separate reporting on abuse allegations involving 20 women within church-affiliated settings.
"The Pope praised young people's 'energy and commitment' at the huge open-air Mass in Paris."
7 outlets · Read more →
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Iran and US Deadlock Over Hormuz Reopening Plan
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran will not abandon its conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz after US President Donald Trump rejected a seven-day roadmap proposed by Iran. The standoff leaves one of the world's most critical shipping lanes in uncertainty. Roughly a fifth of global oil supply passes through the strait, meaning prolonged disagreement carries real consequences for energy markets worldwide.
"Tehran will not back down from its conditions."
6 outlets · Read more →
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Ten Women Dead Near Johannesburg Taverns
South African police in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, have recovered the bodies of ten women, most found near or inside taverns over a period of weeks. The local police commissioner has not ruled out a serial killer, citing similarities across the deaths and a linked case in Soweto. No arrests have been made. Authorities are asking residents with information to come forward.
"Police could not rule out the possibility that there was a serial killer on the loose, noting similarities across the ten deaths."
4 outlets · Read more →
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Lavrov Blames Europe for Stalled Ukraine Peace Talks
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told the United Nations General Assembly that European governments are actively working to prevent peace negotiations that the Trump administration has expressed interest in pursuing. Lavrov made the remarks during a rare meeting with the German foreign minister on the sidelines of the UNGA session in New York. The claim places Russia's position in direct opposition to European governments, which have insisted on Ukrainian sovereignty as a precondition for any settlement.
"Europe is doing everything it can to thwart peace talks in which the Trump administration is interested."
4 outlets · Read more →
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Spain Housing Crisis Draws Thousands to Streets
Tens of thousands marched in Madrid to protest Spain's housing crisis, which has pushed rents and evictions to levels affecting people across income groups and ages. The immediate symbol of the demonstration was an 87-year-old woman removed from a home she had lived in for 70 years. Protesters called on the government to treat housing as a legal right rather than a market commodity. Similar rallies took place in other Spanish cities on the same day.
"Housing is a right, and we don't have it."
4 outlets · Read more →
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White House rescinds $800 million in congressional spending
The Trump administration has used a rarely invoked legal authority to cancel more than $800 million in spending that Congress had already approved. Senator Susan Collins described the move as a clear violation of law. The rescission authority allows the executive branch to propose cancelling funds, but critics argue this use exceeds its intended scope. The action adds to ongoing tensions between the White House and Congress over budget control.
"This is a clear violation of law."
3 outlets · Read more →
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Gas explosion in Athens kills six people
A suspected gas leak explosion in Athens' Plaka district killed six people, including four American tourists, and wounded two others. Athens Mayor Haris Doukas confirmed the deaths and said authorities were investigating the cause. Plaka is a historic neighbourhood near the Acropolis and a common destination for visitors to the city.
3 outlets · Read more →
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Trump revokes Biden-era EV fuel economy rules
President Trump has signed new fuel-economy standards that roll back Biden administration rules designed to accelerate the shift toward electric vehicles. The change reduces federal pressure on automakers to increase EV production and meet stricter emissions targets. US automakers had lobbied for relief from the previous standards, while EV industry advocates say the move sets back climate and energy goals.
"New fuel-economy standards would kill a federal effort to speed the transition to electric vehicles."
3 outlets · Read more →
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House Democrats outline oversight agenda, keep impeachment available
House Democrats, currently in the minority, have announced plans for broad oversight of the Trump administration as the 2026 midterm cycle approaches. The effort includes document requests, hearings, and other investigative tools available to minority members. Party leaders have not ruled out pursuing impeachment proceedings, though they have stopped short of making it a central commitment. The strategy reflects an attempt to maintain political pressure while working within the limits of minority status.
"Impeachment is an option."
3 outlets · Read more →
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Ireland Players to Wear Armbands at Israel Match
Republic of Ireland footballers will wear black armbands during Sunday's Nations League fixture against Israel in Hungary, in recognition of lives lost in the Gaza conflict. The Football Association of Ireland confirmed the match will proceed despite calls to cancel it. The armband gesture represents a middle path between playing the game and making a visible statement about the ongoing humanitarian situation.
"In recognition of all lives lost in the conflict."
3 outlets · Read more →