Iran's Currency Plummets Amidst Economic Hardship
Iran's currency, the rial, reached a record low against the US dollar on Tuesday, trading at 1,500,000 rials to the dollar, according to Iranian currency tracking websites. The drop occurred weeks after protests sparked by the rial's dwindling value shook the country, according to Al Jazeera. Exchange shops in Tehran offered the record-low rate, exacerbating the economic hardship for many Iranians already suffering from decades of economic mismanagement and international sanctions.
UK Authorities Seize Record Cocaine Haul in Atlantic
In other news, British police assisted in the seizure of a record nine-tonne haul of cocaine from a "narco sub" in the Atlantic Ocean, Sky News reported Tuesday. The seizure, nearly the weight of a school bus, was intercepted 230 nautical miles from the Azores. According to Sky News, the semi-submersible eventually sank before authorities could retrieve all of its cargo, sending 35 of the 300 packages to the bottom of the Atlantic. Authorities believe the narcotics cargo was bound for Portugal, marking the biggest-ever seizure of its kind.
Storm Chandra Causes Flooding and Power Outages in Ireland
Ireland faced severe flooding and power outages on Tuesday as Storm Chandra swept across the country. Euronews reported that emergency services in Dublin rescued motorists from floodwaters after heavy rain and strong winds overnight. Approximately 30,000 people were left without power. Dublin Fire Brigade crews were deployed to multiple sites to assist residents, with forecasters reporting about 30mm of rain fell in the capital overnight. A Status Yellow rain warning remained in place, according to Euronews.
French MP Shares Trauma in Drugging Trial
In France, a trial began for former senator Joël Guerriau, accused of drugging lawmaker Sandrine Josso. Euronews reported that Josso described a terrifying experience, fearing she could be raped after being served a glass of champagne spiked with MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, at Guerriau's apartment in November 2023. Guerriau, who resigned as a senator over the case last October, admitted to serving her a drink spiked with MDMA but claimed it was an accident. Josso stated that she wants "the truth" to emerge from the trial.
Ukrainians Cope with Brutal Winter Amidst Russian Attacks
Meanwhile, in Ukraine, civilians are struggling to cope with a brutal winter as Russia continues to target energy infrastructure, Sky News reported. Moscow's relentless attacks are forcing people to wear multiple layers of clothes or turn on gas ovens to generate enough warmth to stay alive, as temperatures drop as low as -20C. Tatiana, 70, has learned to control her breathing to reduce the strain on her heart as she navigates a frozen staircase, highlighting the daily struggles faced by Ukrainians.
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