Israel Closes Key West Bank-Jordan Crossing Following Deadly Attack

Israel has closed the Allenby Bridge, the only crossing connecting the Israeli-occupied West Bank to Jordan, following a shooting incident in which a driver delivering humanitarian aid from Jordan to Gaza opened fire, killing two Israeli military personnel. The closure was announced by the Israeli Airports Authority, which manages the crossing, and will remain in effect until further notice. In addition to the Allenby Bridge closure, two other border crossings between Israel and Jordan have been affected. The Jordan River crossing in the north has been shut completely, while the Rabin crossing in the south is currently open only for the passage of workers. No organization has yet claimed responsibility for the attack at Allenby Bridge, a critical trade and transit point. This crossing serves as the sole conduit allowing over three million Palestinians in the West Bank access to Jordan and beyond. The incident has significant implications for the movement of goods and people in the region, raising concerns about security and humanitarian access.

Magnitude 5.5 Earthquake Strikes Off La Union Coast, No Damage Reported

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported an offshore earthquake measuring magnitude 5.5 early Friday at approximately 3:52 a.m. The quake's epicenter was pinpointed 52 kilometers northwest of Luna, a coastal town in La Union province. Phivolcs indicated that despite the significant tremor, no damage is expected. However, several aftershocks were recorded following the initial event. The seismic activity was notably felt with an Intensity V level (strong) in Luna and Bacnotan, both located within La Union. Meanwhile, Intensity IV (moderately strong) shaking was experienced in Balaoan, also in La Union, as well as in some areas of Benguet, Baguio City, Tadian and Sagada in Mountain Province, and Villasis in Pangasinan. Authorities continue to monitor the situation to assess any further seismic developments and advise the public to stay alert to official updates.

Bulgaria Advances to FIVB World Championship Quarterfinals After Sweep of Portugal

In a powerful performance coinciding with Bulgaria's Independence Day, the Bulgarian men's volleyball team dominated Portugal with a 25-19, 25-23, 25-13 victory during the Round of 16 at the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship held at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay. Bulgarian outside hitter Martin Atanasov made a significant impact late in the third set, delivering a critical block against Rafael Santos that extended Bulgaria’s lead to 14-5, a margin that the team maintained en route to sealing the match. This win marks Bulgaria’s return to the quarterfinals stage for the first time in 15 years, during which they previously ranked seventh overall in the 2010 tournament. Setter Moni Nikolov, who provided an impressive 23 assists, expressed immense pride in the team’s achievement, highlighting the effort invested by the squad and the national federation to rebuild and strengthen Bulgarian volleyball. "It means quite a lot just because of the work that we put in. Our federation and national team are initiating a new era, and reaching the quarterfinals demonstrates that effort," Nikolov said. He also reflected on the legacy of his family, sharing, "I’m proud of me and my brother. We’re trying our hardest to continue our family name Nikolov. Hopefully, we can win a medal at this tournament, but if not, I know we’ve given it our all and he should be proud of us for that." Aleksandar Nikolov contributed a match-high 19 points with a versatile performance that included attacks, a kill block, an ace, and defensive digs. Other notable contributors were Atanasov and middle blocker Aleks Grozdanov, who added nine and eight points, respectively. Looking ahead, Bulgaria will face the winner between the United States and Slovenia in the quarterfinals, with the Americans and Slovenians still competing at the time of reporting. Moni Nikolov remained cautious about their next opponent, acknowledging the challenge ahead: "Both teams are very strong and experienced. We just have to give everything we have. Hopefully, we win and make history. We’re going to give it our hardest." The upcoming match promises an intense battle as Bulgaria aims to continue its impressive run and further cement its place among the world’s top volleyball teams.

China Reports Nearly 100,000 Barrels of Refined Petroleum Exported to North Korea in 2024

China has reported exporting approximately 99,220 barrels of refined petroleum to North Korea during the first five months of 2024, according to submissions filed with the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) sanctions committee. These figures, published on the committee’s website, indicate monthly shipments of 14,385 barrels in January, 5,519 barrels in February, 15,358 barrels in March, 23,652 barrels in April, and 40,304 barrels in May. China remains the sole country disclosing its refined petroleum exports to North Korea under the UNSC’s mandate. However, experts suggest that unreported shipments may exceed these declared amounts. In 2017, the UNSC implemented a resolution limiting petroleum exports to North Korea to 500,000 barrels annually in response to the country's prohibited intercontinental ballistic missile tests. This resolution requires member states, including China, to report monthly export data. Despite this, China's reporting record has been inconsistent, and the current reported exports represent only around 20 percent of the sanctioned annual quota. Meanwhile, Russia, another major fuel supplier to North Korea, has ceased submitting required reports to the UNSC since January 2023. According to a May report by the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team, Russia is estimated to have delivered over 1 million barrels of fuel to North Korea between March and October last year, exceeding the official restrictions. The situation highlights ongoing challenges in enforcing international sanctions and monitoring fuel supplies to North Korea amid geopolitical complexities and concerns over the regime's missile and nuclear programs.

Super Typhoon Nando Causes Flooding and Damage in Zambales Despite Avoiding Direct Hit

Although Super Typhoon Nando did not directly hit Zambales, the region still suffered significant impacts. Heavy rains submerged rice paddies in Barangay Bulawon, Sta. Cruz, leading to localized flooding. In Barangay Bolitoc, authorities evacuated more than 100 families as a precaution due to worsening weather conditions. The storm's strong waves inflicted damage on several resort structures in San Felipe. Residents reported experiencing powerful winds around 11 p.m., which contributed to the destruction of nipa huts. Business owners noted that extensive repairs are necessary before they can reopen. One local recounted taking measures to secure his roof during the storm to prevent it from being blown away. Meanwhile, the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that the death toll from Typhoon Nando has increased to three as of Tuesday. These developments highlight the lasting effects of Typhoon Nando on coastal and agricultural communities in Zambales, emphasizing the ongoing need for disaster preparedness and recovery efforts.

Four Teams Advance to Semifinals as "Volleyball Experience" Exhibit Opens in Manila

The quarterfinal stage of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship concluded on Thursday at the Mall of Asia Arena, securing the semifinal spots of four elite teams. Czechia emerged victorious over Iran, winning 3-1 sets (22-25, 27-25, 25-20, 25-21), thereby advancing alongside Poland and Italy, who secured their semifinal positions last Wednesday. As of Thursday evening, the United States was contending with Bulgaria for the tournament's last remaining Final Four berth. The semifinal matches are scheduled for Saturday, subject to favorable weather conditions. The victorious squad in Sunday’s final will claim the prestigious World Championship trophy—a 42.88-centimeter tall award, weighing nine kilograms. This intricate trophy features 12 individual components symbolizing each player in a volleyball team’s rotation, converging to form a central ball. The gradual color transition from nickel to gold represents a team’s ascent to world champion status, while the base proudly displays previous winners’ names. Crafting this masterpiece required 120 hours of milling, 24 hours of meticulous hand polishing and assembly, and 60 hours of 3D programming to encapsulate volleyball’s core values: purity, performance, power, precision, and teamwork. The tournament began earlier this month with 32 competing national teams embarking on their quest for the title. Meanwhile, Ramon “Tats” Suzara, president of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) and the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC), has encouraged fans to immerse themselves in the sport through the "Volleyball Experience" at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall. Originally launched during the Paris Olympics, where it attracted more than 120,000 visitors, the exhibit has been transported to Manila as part of the 2025 World Championship festivities and will remain open until the tournament's conclusion on September 28. Addressing the public, Suzara stated, \"If they cannot watch the games, or even before or after attending, they can always come here to enjoy the Volleyball Experience. This was first done in the Paris Olympics. It’s called the Volleyball Experience. This is very good for the fans; this is an experience that all the fans will never miss, especially in the World Championship. For those who have the chance, I encourage them to try it.\" The interactive venue offers fans an opportunity to test their volleyball skills, including spiking, serving, and reflex challenges, all free of charge. Features include three small courts with varying net heights, a serve speed challenge, a multi-level spike challenge, a vertical reach test comparing visitors to tournament stars, and a reflex speed challenge. Medical personnel are on-site to ensure participant safety. Additional highlights at the exhibit include a volleyball mural showcasing international stars such as Bryan Bagunas (Philippines), Tomasz Fornal (Poland), Simone Giannelli (Italy), Ricardo Lucarelli (Brazil), Jean Patry (France), Yuki Ishikawa (Japan), and Erik Shoji (USA). Memorabilia such as signed jerseys from select competing nations and autographed volleyballs from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Paris 2024 Olympics, and 2025 World Championship are also on display. The "Volleyball Experience" is open on September 26 from 12:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., and on September 27 and 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Since its opening on September 19, attendees have also enjoyed chances to win tickets and prizes through participation in surveys.

Jennifer Lawrence Denounces Gaza Conflict as Genocide, Voices Concern Over US Political Climate

Oscar-winning American actress Jennifer Lawrence has publicly described Israel's ongoing conflict in Gaza as genocide, raising alarms about the declining standards of political integrity in the United States. Speaking at Spain's San Sebastian Film Festival on Friday, Lawrence criticized the war that has ravaged Palestinian territories for nearly two years, calling the situation "unacceptable." The 35-year-old actress expressed deep worry for future generations, stating, \"I am terrified for my children, for all of our children. This disrespect and erosion of discourse in American politics is becoming normalized.\" She emphasized that for younger Americans, it may soon seem commonplace that \"politics has no integrity.\" Lawrence warned, \"Politicians lie, empathy is lacking, and we must remember that ignoring conflicts happening overseas inevitably brings consequences closer to home.\" The remarks came as Lawrence attended the festival in the coastal city of San Sebastian to receive the prestigious "Donostia" lifetime achievement award. She also premiered her latest film "Die, My Love," which she co-produced alongside Martin Scorsese and was directed by Lynne Ramsay. "Die, My Love" explores the complexities of parenthood through the story of a couple facing emotional turmoil following the birth of their child. Reflecting on the movie, Lawrence, a mother of two, shared candidly about her personal struggle with postpartum challenges after her second child's arrival. She described the experience as \"bizarre\" and likened it to \"having been through that forest,\" highlighting how the film resonated with her own journey. Lawrence's outspoken comments add a notable voice to the ongoing international discourse surrounding the Gaza conflict and underscore concerns about political discourse in the United States.

Authorities Eradicate P3.6 Million Worth of Marijuana Plants in Ilocos Sur Operation

Law enforcement officials dismantled extensive marijuana plantations valued at approximately P3.6 million in the remote Barangay Licungan, Sugpon, Ilocos Sur, following a joint operation conducted on September 21, according to a police report released Thursday. A coordinated team comprising personnel from the Ilocos Sur Police Provincial Office, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and Kimat, led by Lt. Col. David Dulnuan and Lt. Chester Dandin, located seven distinct marijuana growing sites scattered across the mountainous terrain of the barangay. In total, authorities uprooted 21,550 mature plants and 450 seedlings, covering an area of about 3,260 square meters. The largest cache was found at the seventh site, where roughly 8,500 plants estimated at P1.7 million in value were seized. Other sites yielded varying quantities between 150 and 3,500 plants, each valued from P30,000 to P548,000. Acting on a tip from local residents, officials also discovered a plantation containing 2,400 plants and 250 seedlings with an estimated worth exceeding P410,000. Following the seizure, PDEA personnel incinerated all confiscated plants immediately on location, with Barangay Captain Himeno Manuel present to witness the destruction. Despite the significant find, no individuals were apprehended during the operation. Authorities have confirmed that this is part of continued efforts to eliminate unlawful drug cultivation in the province.

Rory McIlroy Confronts Hostile Ryder Cup Crowd Amid Escalating Tensions at Bethpage Black

Rory McIlroy faced significant crowd hostility during Saturday’s Ryder Cup matches at Bethpage Black, leading to heightened security measures as tensions escalated in front of raucous fans. During his morning foursome alongside Tommy Fleetwood, McIlroy, who had already reacted to hecklers with a middle finger gesture on Friday, used an explicit word to tell spectators to "shut up" while preparing to take a shot. Later in the day, during a four-ball match with Shane Lowry, McIlroy was interrupted by a heckler as he readied a putt on the fourth hole. The interference resulted in boos from the crowd and saw McIlroy consult with an official about managing over-aggressive spectators. In response to the ongoing disruptions, extra security personnel were reportedly deployed to monitor the crowd closely. Ultimately, McIlroy and Lowry triumphed over U.S. players Justin Thomas and Cam Young with a 2-up victory. "It was a really challenging day," McIlroy reflected afterward. "I’m going to sleep well tonight." Lowry, who endured his share of verbal abuse, supported McIlroy throughout the ordeal. "We knew what we were going to get coming here," Lowry remarked. "It was a very tough day. Being out with Rory doesn’t make it any easier. I think he’s getting the brunt of it. But I think we dealt with it very well." Following his and Fleetwood’s morning 3&2 win against Harris English and Collin Morikawa, McIlroy acknowledged the partisan atmosphere but indicated that some crowd behavior had crossed acceptable bounds. "I don’t mind them having a go at us. That’s to be expected. That’s what an away Ryder Cup is," he said. "Whenever they’re still doing it while you are over the ball and trying to hit your shot, that’s the tough thing. Between shots, say whatever you want to me. That’s totally fine. But give us the respect to let us hit shots and give us the same chance that the Americans have." As Europe extended its lead over the United States, McIlroy became the focal point of much of the vocal criticism, ranging from creative insults to more mundane jeers. "You really just have to focus on the task at hand," he explained, emphasizing the need for mental resilience. Despite prior confrontations with the crowd, including an obscene gesture on Friday, McIlroy said he expected the intensity. "It was rowdy and lively," he noted. "They made it difficult for us, but I felt like Shane and I handled that really well and dug in. Made some good swings and good putts when we needed to." McIlroy, known for his emotional reaction after winning the Masters by falling to his knees in tears, has struggled to manage the balance between engaging with and tuning out hostile crowds. "At times in the Ryder Cup, I’ve engaged too much with that, too much with the crowd," he admitted. "But then there’s times where I haven’t engaged enough. So it’s really just trying to find the balance of using that energy from the crowd to fuel your performance."

Vietnam Prepares for Typhoon Bualoi with Mass Evacuations and Airport Closures

HANOI — Vietnamese authorities have closed several airports and evacuated thousands of residents as Typhoon Bualoi, locally known as Opong in the Philippines, accelerates toward the country’s central coast. The storm has already caused significant fatalities and flooding in the Philippines, where it claimed at least 10 lives. According to Vietnam's national meteorological agency, the typhoon is moving at nearly twice the average speed for such storms, with wind speeds reaching up to 133 km/h (83 mph) as of early Sunday. Forecasters now expect it to make landfall in central Vietnam later that day, earlier than previously predicted. The agency warned that the fast-moving typhoon poses a serious threat, capable of generating strong winds, heavy rainfall, floods, flash floods, landslides, and coastal flooding simultaneously. In response, the provincial government of Ha Tinh has begun evacuating over 15,000 residents from vulnerable areas. Thousands of troops have been mobilized to support emergency operations and ensure public safety. The Civil Aviation Authority announced the suspension of flights at four coastal airports, including the prominent Danang International Airport. Several flight schedules have also been adjusted to mitigate disruption. Flooding from heavy rains has already been reported in the central provinces of Hue and Quang Tri, underscoring the storm’s early impact on the region. Vietnam's extensive coastline along the South China Sea makes it highly susceptible to typhoons, which frequently result in significant human and economic losses. In 2023, Typhoon Yagi caused approximately 300 fatalities and inflicted damages estimated at $3.3 billion.