AFP UK

Salvador (Brazil) (AFP) – Wearing a rainbow-striped football shirt, Ona Ruda walks confidently through the Arena Fonte Nova football stadium, home to his beloved Bahia team. The club in northeastern Salvador is a rare safe space for gay fans who often steer clear of football stadiums for fear of coming under attack. The group of supporters counts only 15 members, a far cry from other massive Brazilian fan groups. However, the fact that they can go to the stadium waving rainbow flags and wearing rainbow T-shirts, is no small matter.

Rome (AFP) – In her first address to parliament, Italy’s new far-right Prime minister Giorgia Meloni declares herself to be the “underdog” of Italian politics, and vows to “upset all predictions” in her quest for success. She also reaffirms her strong support for Ukraine and not give in to Putin’s “blackmail” on energy despite tensions on the issue between her and her coalition partners.

London (AFP) – UK politicians come and go at 10 Downing Street as new British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak forms his new government. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is one of the notable arrivals, retained from Sunak’s predecessor Liz Truss disastrous government. Sunak’s second cabinet appointment was his close ally Dominic Raab as deputy prime minister and justice secretary.

Krasnogorsk (Russia) (AFP) – Speaking via video link, US basketball star Brittney Griner asks a Russian court to reduce her ‘traumatic’ nine-year prison sentence, issued on drug charges.

London (AFP) – Thousands of people gather in the Shri Swaminarayan Mandirà temple in the London suburb of Neasden to celebrate Divali on the day that Rishi Sunak, a Hindu himself, was announced as the United Kingdom’s new prime minister.

New Delhi (AFP) – New Delhi residents react to the news that Rishi Sunak will be installed as Britain’s third prime minister this year. The 42-year-old Hindu will be Britain’s first prime minister of colour and the youngest in more than two centuries.

Meadowview (United States) (AFP) – The American chestnut tree, once a pillar of forests across the eastern United States, is struggling to survive. In the early part of the 20th century, a fungus discovered after Japanese chestnut species were planted in New York City spread across the continent, decimating the American chestnut tree in less than three decades. Now the American Chestnut Foundation is working to resurrect the species. Their mission: finding a way to fight the blight by combining crossbreeding with genetic modification.

Washington (AFP) – In the United States, 64% of African-American children do not know how to swim and have a higher risk of drowning, due to a lack of funds and access to pools, combined with the lasting impact of segregation. To make up for the absence of swimming classes at school, a local association in Washington, DC provides free training to children in a low-income area.

Washington (AFP) – President Joe Biden plans to speak soon to incoming British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, the White House says. “President Biden looks forward to speaking with… Sunak in the upcoming days and to our continued close cooperation with the United Kingdom,” Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre tells reporters during a briefing.

Washington (AFP) – The US Justice chief accuses China of interfering with the American justice system as he announces indictments of 13 Chinese nationals who allegedly worked for Beijing’s spy agencies. Three separate cases unveiled showed that “the government of China sought to interfere with the rights and freedoms of individuals in the United States and to undermine our judicial system that protects those rights,” says Attorney General Merrick Garland.

Kathmandu (Nepal) (AFP) – Dogs in Nepal are being treated to flower garlands and snacks during Kukur Tihar – a day specifically reserved for honouring the four-legged animals. This celebration falls on the second day of the five-day festival of Tihar dedicated to the Hindu god of death Yama.

Vaxholm (Sweden) (AFP) – Underwater images released by the VRAK Museum of Wrecks show Swedish maritime archeologists swimming inside “Applet” (The Apple), a 17th century warship which they discovered close to the island of Vaxholm. Applet is the long-lost sister ship of the iconic vessel “Vasa”, which sank on its maiden voyage in 1628. Applet was launched the following year.