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Harry Potter Actor Robbie Coltrane Dead at the age of 72

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Robbie Coltrane, a Scottish actor best remembered for his portrayal of the endearing half-giant Rubeus Hagrid in the Harry Potter films, has passed away. He was 72. The actor became well-known for his role as a psychologist who solves crimes in the hit TV show Cracker.

Belinda Wright, the actor’s agent, reported that he passed away on Friday at a Scottish hospital. She omitted a reason. He was a superb performer, but he was also “forensically clever, brilliantly humorous, and after 40 years of being pleased to be called his agent, I shall miss him,” Belinda Wright said in a statement mourning his passing. Coltrane’s sister Annie Rae, his ex-wife Rhona Gemmell, and his kids Spencer and Alice all still alive, she said.

In the 1990s, Robbie Coltrane first achieved recognition as a tough detective in Cracker. He earned the best actor prize three times in a row at the British Academy Television Awards (BAFTA) for his portrayal on the show.

He later achieved global fame in the role of Hagrid in the movie adaptation of JK Rowling’s acclaimed and best-selling Harry Potter books. In all eight of the Harry Potter movies, which were produced between 2001 and 2011, he portrayed the kind half-giant who serves as the child wizard’s mentor and companion. In the James Bond thrillers GoldenEye and The World is Not Enough, a Russian crime boss also appears.

He received praise from critics recently for his portrayal of a beloved TV personality who might be hiding a sinister secret in the 2016 miniseries National Treasure. In Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts, he was last seen.

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Turkey coal mine explosion kills 41, injures 11

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The president of Turkey reports that a coal mine explosion in the country’s north has resulted in the deaths of 41 persons. More than 20 hours after Friday’s fatal explosion, the search for the last unaccounted-for body ends.

The interior minister had earlier said that 58 miners who were inside when the blast occurred were either saved or managed to escape on their own. Ten patients were still hospitalised, according to Suleyman Soylu, and one was released.

At the time of the incident on Friday, around 110 individuals were inside the mine, with over half of them at a depth of more than 300m (984ft). To try to find survivors, rescue teams had been excavating through rock all night.

At the mine in Amasra, on the Black Sea coast, rescuers could be seen arriving with blackened and sleep-deprived miners. Additionally, there were relatives and friends of the missing at the mine, awaiting word on their loved ones.

Along with other ministers, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been at the scene in the province of Bartin, and he has announced that the last person still missing has been found dead. Authorities stated that Turkish prosecutors have begun an inquiry into the explosion’s cause, although early findings suggested that firedamp—a word used to describe methane producing an explosive mixture in coal mines—was to blame.

We don’t know exactly what happened, but there was dust and smoke, according to one worker who made it out on his own. State-owned Turkish Hard Coal Enterprises is the owner of the mine.

301 persons perished in Turkey’s deadliest coal mining accident in 2014 after an explosion in the western town of Soma.

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Oil protesters throw soup on Van Gogh’s Sunflowers painting

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Apparently tomato soup cans have been hurled over a Van Gogh painting of sunflowers at the National Gallery in London by environmental protestors. Two persons were captured on camera opening tins, throwing the contents onto the artwork, and then sticking their hands to the wall while wearing Just Stop Oil T-shirts.
 
Two people, according to the Metropolitan Police, have been detained. The picture was declared to be undamaged by the gallery because it was protected by glass. According to a statement from the Trafalgar Square location: “This morning at little after 11 a.m., two individuals entered Room 43 of the National Gallery.

“The two appeared to have applied wall glue to the area next to Van Gogh’s Sunflowers (1888). Additionally, they daubed the artwork with a red material that appeared to be tomato soup.

“The room was cleared of visitors and police were called. Officers are now on the scene.

“There is some minor damage to the frame but the painting is unharmed.

“Two people have been arrested.”

Officers were on the scene at the National Gallery this morning after two Just Stop Oil protestors threw something over a picture and then fastened themselves to a wall, according to the Metropolitan Police.

“Both have been detained on suspicion of aggravated trespass and criminal mischief. Currently, officers are de-bonding them.

Videos of the event on Friday captured a protester yelling, “What is worth more? Or life, is it? Is it more valuable than food? More valuable than the law? Are the protection of our planet and its inhabitants more important to you than the preservation of a painting?

Additionally, she made mention of the rising cost of living and the “millions of hungry, chilly families” who “can’t even afford to heat a can of soup.”

Van Gogh painted seven sunflower-themed pieces between 1888 and 1889, five of which are currently on exhibit in galleries and museums around the globe. They were made by the artist to adorn his home in Arles, France, before his friend and fellow artist Paul Gauguin paid him a visit.

The sunflower paintings are “among Van Gogh’s most recognisable and best-loved masterpieces,” according to the exhibition.

Three months prior, individuals from the same group covered John Constable’s The Hay Wain in the same gallery with paper using tape.

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France sends Germany gas for first time amid Russia energy crisis

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In response to mounting energy strain, France has delivered gas to Germany for the first time in an act of “European solidarity.” The pipeline-delivered gas is a component of a pact between the nations to reduce energy shortages following Russian shutoff of the taps to Europe.

Despite providing less than 2% of Germany’s daily demands, the increased flow is appreciated as Berlin fights to diversify its energy sources. Since the invasion of Ukraine, Russia has been charged with exploiting gas supplies as a weapon against the West.

The French grid operator GRTgaz announced that it would initially supply 31 gigawatt hours (GWh) per day via a pipeline from the village of Obergailbach on the country’s border.The additional gas flow has a 100 GWh daily maximum capacity, it was added in a statement. 

In the energy solidarity agreement last month, Germany committed to aid France with gas supplies in exchange for Germany agreeing to supply additional electricity to France as needed.

“We would have significant problems right now if we didn’t have European unity and an integrated, united market,” French President Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday. Russia shutting off the gas is less of an issue for France because most of its energy requirements are met by Norway and through supply of liquefied natural gas.

Gas prices increased as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February, and this winter EU customers will pay record prices.

Germany had previously gotten 55% of its gas from Russia. It has decreased this to 35% and eventually wants to stop all imports.

Despite the detrimental effects on the environment, Germany is also increasing its usage of coal and prolonging the life of power plants that were scheduled to close.

During her 16 years in office, former German chancellor Angela Merkel claimed she did not regret relying on Russia as a significant gas provider.

This winter, the German government plans to reduce the consumption of lighting and heating in public buildings by 2%.

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Elon Musk denies he spoke to Putin about Ukraine war

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Elon Musk has refuted claims that he communicated with Vladimir Putin before putting his recommendations for stopping Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in a Twitter poll.

Head of the political risk consultancy Eurasia Group Ian Bremmer claimed that Mr. Musk had personally briefed him about the chat with Mr. Putin.  However, Mr. Musk has since denied this.

“Putin and I have only communicated once, perhaps 18 months ago. The topic concerned space, “Musk posted a tweet.

The Tesla CEO invited his 107.7 million followers to vote on how to end the conflict in Ukraine last week.

One of the ideas was to organise elections in regions of Ukraine that Russia claims it has seized and has occupied. His remarks were well received in Moscow.

If the people’s will is to have Russia go, the multibillionaire said. Four Ukrainian regions have already been annexed by Russia, according to President Putin, after phoney referendums that Kyiv and its Western partners deemed fake. All four of these regions are not entirely under Russian authority.

The illegally annexed Crimea by Moscow in 2014, according to Mr. Musk, should be “officially” recognised as a part of Russia. According to Mr. Bremmer’s account in a newsletter, Mr. Musk told him that the Russian president was “prepared to negotiate,” but only if Ukraine agreed to some form of permanent neutrality, Crimea remained under Russian control, and Kyiv acknowledged Russia’s annexation of Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia.

Mr. Bremmer claimed that the CEO of SpaceX had informed him that Mr. Putin had stated that these objectives would be achieved “no matter what” and that a nuclear attack may be launched if Ukraine attacked Crimea.

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Creeslough explosion: Jessica Gallagher and Martin McGill funerals take place

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Two of the 10 persons killed in the Creeslough, County Donegal explosion have had their funerals. Masses were celebrated at St. Michael’s Church in the community for Martin McGill, 49, and Jessica Gallagher, 24.

Ms. Gallagher would be remembered for the “ripples of love, affection, and warmth” she left behind, mourners were told during her funeral. It was said of Mr. McGill that he had a “beautiful, gentle soul.”

They were among those who perished in the accident at a gas station in the little community in Ireland’s northwest last Friday.

The reason of the explosion is being looked examined, but according to the police, it seems to have been an accident.

The residential units, a convenience store, and a gas station were all located within the complex of buildings where the explosion occurred.

The main store for the 400-person village, which has been grieving an extraordinary loss of life in its community, includes a post office.

Father John Joe Duffy, a Creeslough priest, referred to Ms. Gallagher’s “radiant grin” during the funeral Mass.

Whether things were good or bad, “she always brought the sun,” he remarked. The fashion designer, who was scheduled to start a new position in Belfast on Monday, utilised Donegal tweed as a feature in her work, mourners were told.

Fr Duffy went on to say that the county was “in her heart.”

He claimed that Pope Francis had expressed how “heartbroken” he was by the catastrophe. Both of Tuesday’s funerals were attended by Irish President Michael D. Higgins’s top assistant.

Mr. McGill, who was originally from Scotland, was praised for being a loving son and taking good care of his mother. In order to care for both of his parents, he relocated to Creeslough, although his father had now passed away.

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Shock and horror after Russia’s wave of strikes across Ukraine

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Wave after wave of explosions have been heard over the past few hours, not just in Kyiv but all over this huge nation, from Lviv in the west to Kharkiv in the east and Odesa in the south.

There is a sense of déjà vu for those of us who were present when Russia’s extensive invasion started in February. It has been advised that we spend as much time as possible in the basement because more strikes with missiles and drones are anticipated.

However, this is also unique. The explosions in Kyiv are substantially more nearby the city’s centre. Loud reverberations near streets and places we’ve gotten to know well over the previous eight months, not far-off thumps from the suburbs.

It’s hard to know what is being targeted, but according to a statement from Ukraine’s ministry of culture, the Philharmonic building and museums were both struck.

A large crater at a playground was visible in one of the social media videos going around. Another displayed a missile striking Mayor Vitali Klitschko’s glass bridge, a well-liked tourist destination and vantage point across the Dnipro River.

Living in an apartment with a view of the playground in Shevchenko Park is Olena and Valerii Badakh.

“It was gruesome. Our lives suddenly had a gaping hole in them. It was awful, “Olena informed me.

Two days ago, when Ukrainians joyously applauded the attack on the bridge connecting Russia with the Crimean Peninsula, social media was swamped with videos and memes.

These days, all the films show shell-shocked locals, burning rubble, and dire warnings.

Even when it seems expected, the shock is still present.

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Creeslough: Girl, 5, and dad among 10 killed in Donegal blast

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The 10 victims of a Friday explosion in Creeslough, County Donegal, have been identified by name, according to Garda. Shauna Flanagan Garwe, five, and her 50-year-old father Robert Garwe are among the victims. The explosion also claimed the lives of Catherine O’Donnell, 39, and her 13-year-old son James Monaghan.

Hugh Kelly, 59, Martin McGill, 49, Martina Martin, 49, James O’Flaherty, 48, Jessica Gallagher, 24, Leona Harper, 14, and others also passed away. On Friday, there was an explosion at a gas station in the hamlet. An Garda Sochána confirmed on Sunday that a man in his 20s is still hospitalised and in a severe condition.

Seven further blast victims are still receiving medical care at Letterkenny University Hospital and continue to have stable conditions. The location is still blocked off while the inquiry is ongoing.

Post-mortem investigations are being conducted, but the findings won’t be made public. Supt. Liam Geraghty stated at a press conference on Sunday that the tragedy has had a “big impact” on the small, rural community.

“They were all folks who were shopping in their local shop,” he said. “They are all local people, they are all extremely involved in the local community.”

“We have very, very young children – the schools are going to be impacted, local GAA clubs are going to be impacted, the local church and general community is going to be severely impacted by this incident.

“But it is very strong community. So I’m sure the community will come together and will support each other.”

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Crimea bridge partly reopens after huge explosion – Russia

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Hours after a large bomb destroyed portions of the road, light traffic has once again started to flow across Russia’s only bridge to the Crimea.

According to investigators, three persons were killed in the explosion on Europe’s longest bridge, which served as a symbol of Russia’s annexation of the peninsula from Ukraine in 2014. Russian authorities assert that the victims were in a neighbouring automobile when a lorry exploded.

The bridge’s railway portion, where oil tanks caught fire, has reportedly also been reopened. After authorities announced the restricted reopening, video showed vehicles using the road.

2018 saw the opening of the rail and road crossing, which is a crucial supply route for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Mykhailo Podolyak, a counsellor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, did not expressly attribute blame to Ukraine but wrote: “Crimea, the bridge, the beginning.

Everything that is illegal must be destroyed, everything that has been taken must be given back to Ukraine, and everything that Russia has captured must be evicted.

The explosion on the bridge was compared by the Ukrainian defence ministry to the April sinking of the Russian missile cruiser Moskva.

Two infamous Russian power symbols in Ukrainian Crimea have been destroyed, it tweeted. “What comes after that?”

The official Twitter account of Ukraine simply wrote, “Sick burn.”

The response of the Kiev administration to the destruction of civilian infrastructure, according to Russia’s foreign ministry, “is a witness to its terrorist nature.”

The symbolism and impact of seeing the bridge, which President Putin opened, on fire cannot be overstated.  The bridge has been utilised by Russia to transport soldiers, military supplies, and equipment to battlegrounds in southern Ukraine.

In light of their commitment to retaking the peninsula, Ukrainian authorities claimed it to be a valid target. Any assault on Crimea, where there is a sizable Russian force presence, will be viewed as a further grave humiliation for the Kremlin. Ukrainians particularly detest the bridge. One day after Russian President Vladimir Putin turned 70, the fire sparked an uproar on Ukrainian social media.

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Belarus, Ukraine, Russia activists win Nobel Peace Prize

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The Nobel Peace Prize has been given to a jailed activist from Belarus as well as two organisations from Russia and Ukraine for promoting democracy and human rights. As a rebuke to two authoritarian governments, the choice to honour Ales Bialiatsky, Russia’s Memorial, and the Ukrainian Center for Civil Liberties.

In December of last year, Russia forcibly closed Memorial in advance of Vladimir Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine. Alexander Lukashenko protests led to the imprisonment of Bialiatsky. The CCL of Ukraine has kept tabs on political repression and atrocities committed in regions of the nation that Russia has invaded or annexed.

All three had made “an excellent effort to expose war crimes, human rights abuses, and the misuse of power,” according to Berit Reiss-Andersen, head of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, who spoke to reporters.

She responded that the Nobel prize was always given “for something and to somebody and not against anyone” when asked if the committee was making a statement to Russia’s president on the occasion of his 70th birthday.

Belarus’s long-time ruler is a close ally of President Putin. After a re-election in 2020 that was widely condemned as rigged, he brutally cracked down on protesters and then allowed Russian forces to use his country as a launchpad in its war against Ukraine.

Ales Bialiatsky, 60, established the civil rights organisation Viasna, which is Belarusian for spring, in 1996, two years after Mr. Lukashenko took office. He was first imprisoned in 2011, and last year, he was again incarcerated without being given a reason. He is one of the 1,348 individuals that Viasna claims are being imprisoned as political prisoners in Belarus at the moment.

Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, an exiled opposition activist, hailed the Nobel committee for “recognising all Belarusians struggling for freedom and democracy,” and Natallia Pinchuk, Bialiatsky’s wife, said she was “overwhelmed with emotion.”

A spokesman for the Minsk foreign ministry claimed that Alfred Nobel was “turning in his grave” as a result of the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Bialiatsky.

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