A deadly shooting erupted Saturday evening at a family gathering held in a banquet hall on Lucile Avenue in Stockton, California, leaving four people dead and 10 wounded. Victims included both adults and children, according to the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office. Authorities say around 14 people were struck by gunfire and believe the attack may have been targeted — though no suspect has yet been arrested, and the motive remains unclear. The community is reeling as investigators appeal for public help to identify the perpetrator and piece together the events leading up to the tragedy. (PC: Reuters)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally asked President Isaac Herzog for a pardon. Netanyahu faces a five-year-long trial over bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in three separate cases, all of which he denies. He said in a video message that ending the trial would promote national reconciliation and help Israel face current challenges. The president’s office will seek opinions from justice officials before deciding on the “extraordinary request.” Netanyahu’s supporters back the pardon, while critics fear it could undermine Israel’s legal system and democracy. No timeline has been given for Herzog’s decision. (PC: BBC)

Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry says over 70,000 Palestinians have died since Israel’s military campaign began. The death toll continues to rise, even after a ceasefire on October 10. Israel says it carried out air strikes for violations of the truce, while bodies are still being recovered from rubble. Among the latest victims were two young brothers, aged eight and 10 or 11, killed while gathering firewood near Khan Younis. Their funeral was held at Nasser Hospital. The Gaza Health Ministry figures are widely cited by the UN, though Israel disputes the data. (PC: BBC)

Ukraine attacked two Russian oil tankers, the Kairos and Virat, in the Black Sea using Sea Baby naval drones. Both ships, part of Russia’s “shadow fleet” that bypasses Western sanctions, caught fire off the Turkish coast. No casualties were reported. The strikes appear aimed at hitting Russia’s oil revenues, crucial for funding its war in Ukraine. Turkish authorities assisted the vessels to control fires. Separately, the Caspian Pipeline Consortium suspended oil loading at Novorossiysk after another drone attack. Ukraine’s President Zelensky said a delegation is heading to the US to continue war-end talks amid ongoing tensions. (PC: BBC)

The death toll in Gaza has crossed 70,000, the Gaza health ministry said on Saturday, even though a ceasefire has been in place since October 10. At least 352 people have been killed since the truce began. Two boys, aged 8 and 11, were the latest victims after an Israeli drone strike near a school in Beni Suheila. Israel said it targeted people who crossed into Israeli-controlled areas but did not mention children. Hamas has accused Israel of breaking the truce, while Israel says it is acting only against militants. The war began in 2023 after the Hamas attack on Israel. (PC: HT)

Venezuela has accused US President Donald Trump of making a “colonialist threat” after he claimed the airspace over the country should be treated as closed. Venezuela said the statement was illegal and aimed at creating fear. Trump’s post warned airlines, pilots, and others to avoid Venezuelan airspace. The US has no authority to close another nation’s airspace, but the warning may disrupt travel. Tensions are rising as the US increases its military presence near Venezuela, saying it is fighting drug trafficking. Venezuela says the real goal is to remove President Nicolás Maduro. US lawmakers from both parties have criticised Trump’s actions. (PC: BBC)

A child’s birthday party in Stockton, California, turned tragic when a gunman opened fire on Saturday night. Four people were killed and at least 14 were injured at a banquet hall on Lucile Avenue. Police said the suspect is still on the run and early signs suggest the shooting was a targeted attack. Some reports say the incident happened near a Dairy Queen. The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office said the scene is active and details are still being confirmed. Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee said he was “devastated,” adding that families should never fear for their lives at a party. (PC: HT)

Russia launched a major attack on Kyiv, firing dozens of missiles and drones, killing at least three people and damaging several areas of the capital. The strikes came as a Ukrainian team travels to the US for important peace talks. The delegation is now led by security council chief Rustem Umerov, after top aide Andriy Yermak resigned following a corruption raid. US officials Marco Rubio, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will join the meeting in Florida. President Zelenskyy said he hopes to finalise points from earlier talks in Geneva. The coming days may shape Ukraine’s next steps in the war. (PC: Sky News)

Dozens of flood alerts are in place across England and Wales as heavy rain hits many areas. The Environment Agency has issued 35 alerts in England, and Natural Resources Wales has issued 10 more. The Met Office has a yellow warning for rain in the East Midlands, North East England, and Yorkshire and Humber. Up to 30mm of rain may fall, with 60mm possible on higher ground. More rain warnings are set for Monday, including an amber alert in South Wales. Homes and roads may be affected. Scotland also faced severe winds, leaving many homes without power before supplies were restored. (PC: PA)

More than 600,000 people in Kyiv and nearby areas lost power after a major overnight Russian attack. Ukraine said missiles and drones hit energy sites across several regions, killing three people and injuring many others. Over 500,000 homes in the capital were affected. Russia said it targeted Ukraine’s military industry and the power systems that support it. Residential buildings in Kyiv were also damaged, and a 13-year-old child was among the injured. Ukraine’s Air Force said it shot down most of the 36 missiles and nearly 600 drones launched. Temperatures are set to drop, raising fears of winter blackouts. (PC: BBC)