Prosecutors in Los Angeles have filed murder charges against Nick Reiner over the deaths of his parents, Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele. Nick Reiner is facing two counts of first-degree murder with a special circumstance alleging multiple murders, District Attorney Nathan Hochman said. He could be sentenced to life without the possibility of parole or the death penalty if found guilty. He will be brought to court to formally face charges and enter a plea after he is medically cleared by prison officials, Mr Hochman said. The charges came two days after the couple were found dead in their home in Brentwood, California, with multiple stab wounds.The charges also include a “special allegation” that Reiner used a knife. During a news conference on Tuesday, Mr Hochman said no decision had been made about whether prosecutors would seek the death penalty. The suspect, 32, was also accused of using a “dangerous and deadly weapon, that being a knife”. He was expected to appear before a judge later on Tuesday for an arraignment hearing, where he would have been formally charged. The district attorney later said it would be scheduled for a later date. Rob Reiner directed several iconic films in a variety of genres, including This is Spinal Tap, Misery and A Few Good Men. Michele Singer Reiner was an actress, photographer and producer, and the founder of Reiner Light, a photography agency and production company. LA Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell told the news conference: “This case is heartbreaking and deeply personal, not only for the Reiner family and their loved ones, but for the entire city.” “We extend our deepest condolences to everyone affected by this tragedy.” Asked whether the murder weapon was recovered, Mr Hochman said that would be revealed in court. Officials said autopsies, which have to be completed, would determine the precise cause, manner and times of death. Source: BBC

Rob and Michele Reiner’s son Nick charged with murder in parents’ deaths

Paris’ Louvre, the world’s most-visited museum, remained closed at 0800 GMT on Wednesday, as its staff continued discussions on whether to extend a strike over pay and working conditions that started on Monday. The strike comes after a spectacular jewel heist in October, as well as recent infrastructure problems, including a water leak that damaged ancient books, which have exposed glaring security gaps and revealed the museum’s deteriorating state. Unions have said that staff at the Louvre are overworked and mismanaged, and they are calling for more hiring, pay increases and a redirection of spending. Louvre director Laurence des Cars, who has faced intense criticism since burglars in October made off with crown jewels worth 88 million euros ($103.14 million), is due to answer questions from the French Senate on Wednesday afternoon. The museum is routinely closed on Tuesdays. Source: Reuters

France’s Louvre museum remains shut as workers weigh strike extension

Naveed Akram, the surviving suspect in Sunday’s mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, has been charged with 59 offences, including 15 counts of murder and one of committing a terrorist act, according to the New South Wales Police. The other gunman, his father Sajid Akram, 50, was killed in an exchange of fire with police at the scene. Fifteen people were killed and dozens of others were injured in the attack, which targeted Australia’s Jewish community at an event celebrating the first night of Hanukkah. It was the country’s deadliest shooting since 1996. Akram also faces 40 charges of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to murder, as well as one charge of causing a public display of a prohibited terrorist organisation symbol. He was critically injured during the incident on Sunday, and had his first hearing from his hospital bedside, the local New South Wales court said. The case has been adjourned until April 2026, the court added. Earlier on Wednesday, New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said they were waiting for medication to wear off before formally questioning Akram. “For his fairness, we need him to understand what is exactly happening,” Lanyon said. Twenty people injured in the attack remain in hospitals across Sydney, with one person still in a critical condition. Police have designated the attack a terrorist incident, with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese saying it appears to have been “motivated by Islamic State” group ideology. Police said “homemade” Islamic State group flags and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) have been found in the vehicle used by the gunmen. On Tuesday, it emerged that the father and son had travelled to the Philippines a month before the attack at Bondi Beach. The Philippine immigration bureau told the BBC that they were in the country from 1 November to 28 November. Their final destination was the southern city of Davao, an immigration spokesperson said. Naveed Akram travelled to the Philippines using an Australian passport, while his father Sajid used an Indian passport, border authorities in Manila told the BBC. Sajid Akram was originally from the southern Indian city of Hyderabad, but had “limited contact” with his family there, a police official from the Indian state of Telangana said. Source: BBC

Naveed Akram charged with 15 counts of murder over Bondi shooting

A 44-year-old man has been fined Rs. 70,000 for illegally keeping a baby crocodile in Aluthgama, wildlife officials stated.&nbsp; The suspect was arrested in Kaluwamodara following information received by the Hikkaduwa National Park headquarters and produced before the Kalutara Magistrate today(17).&nbsp; The court ordered the crocodile to be released into a suitable habitat under veterinary supervision.&nbsp; The Department of Wildlife Conservation said crocodiles are strictly protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance and warned that raids will continue against those exploiting wildlife for profit.

Man fined for keeping baby crocodile illegally

Construction has begun in Puttalam to install a new Doppler radar system to strengthen Sri Lanka’s severe weather forecasting capability, Cabinet Spokesperson Nalinda Jayatissa said.&nbsp; Speaking at the weekly Cabinet briefing, he said the radar would be acquired with support from the Government of Japan and is expected to be operational by 2027.&nbsp; The project will significantly upgrade the Department of Meteorology, alongside additional equipment.&nbsp; Jayatissa said the new system, separate from the radar installed in 2017, would improve forecast accuracy and help protect lives.

Puttalam tower construction begins for new Doppler radar

Doctors at the Badulla Teaching Hospital launched a strike today(17) after a colleague was assaulted by a three-wheeler driver, hospital sources reported.&nbsp; The injured doctor has been admitted for treatment.&nbsp; The incident reportedly occurred after the driver parked behind the doctor’s vehicle and allegedly assaulted the doctor when asked to move it.&nbsp; Medical staff began the strike in protest following the attack. The strike action is expected to continue until 4.00 p.m. today.

Doctors strike after assault on colleague at Badulla Hospital

The government will present a supplementary estimate of Rs. 500 billion to Parliament tomorrow(18) to support livelihoods affected by recent disasters.&nbsp; Parliament will convene on 18 and 19 December at the request of Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, the Secretary-General of Parliament said.&nbsp; The estimate for 2026 will be tabled tomorrow morning and referred to the Committee on Public Finance, followed by an adjournment debate on the post-disaster situation.&nbsp; The supplementary sum is scheduled to be debated and approved on Friday.

Parliament to take up Rs. 500 bn supplementary estimate

A Turkish Airlines aircraft that made an emergency return to Bandaranaike International Airport(BIA) due to a technical fault is currently undergoing maintenance, airport sources reported.&nbsp; The airline’s website indicates the flight is scheduled to depart for Istanbul at 10.00 p.m. tomorrow(18).&nbsp; Flight TK733 returned early today after the pilot detected a landing gear malfunction shortly after departure last night.&nbsp; The Airbus A330 landed safely at 12.17 a.m. after fuel was jettisoned over the sea off Chilaw. All 202 passengers and 10 crew were unharmed and taken to nearby hotels.

Rob and Michele Reiner’s son Nick charged with murder in par ...

France’s Louvre museum remains shut as workers weigh strike extension

France’s Louvre museum remains ...

Naveed Akram charged with 15 counts of murder over Bondi shooting

Naveed Akram charged with 15 c ...

Man fined for keeping baby crocodile illegally

Man fined for keeping baby cro ...

Puttalam tower construction begins for new Doppler radar

Puttalam tower construction be ...

Doctors strike after assault on colleague at Badulla Hospital

Doctors strike after assault o ...

Parliament to take up Rs. 500 bn supplementary estimate

Parliament to take up Rs. 500 ...

Turkey-bound flight undergoing maintenance after emergency return

Turkey-bound flight undergoing ...

Bank card payments now available on 24 bus routes

Bank card payments now availab ...

France’s Louvre museum remains shut as workers weigh strike extension

France’s Louvre museum remains ...

Naveed Akram charged with 15 counts of murder over Bondi shooting

Naveed Akram charged with 15 c ...

Man fined for keeping baby crocodile illegally

Man fined for keeping baby cro ...

Puttalam tower construction begins for new Doppler radar

Puttalam tower construction be ...

Doctors strike after assault on colleague at Badulla Hospital

Doctors strike after assault o ...

Parliament to take up Rs. 500 bn supplementary estimate

Parliament to take up Rs. 500 ...

Turkey-bound flight undergoing maintenance after emergency return

Turkey-bound flight undergoing ...

Bank card payments now available on 24 bus routes

Bank card payments now availab ...

Bringing the news paper to your fingertips

France’s Louvre museum remains shut as workers weigh strike extension

France’s Louvre museum remains ...

Naveed Akram charged with 15 counts of murder over Bondi shooting

Naveed Akram charged with 15 c ...

Bringing the news paper to your fingertips

Man fined for keeping baby crocodile illegally

Man fined for keeping baby cro ...

Puttalam tower construction begins for new Doppler radar

Puttalam tower construction be ...

Doctors strike after assault on colleague at Badulla Hospital

Doctors strike after assault o ...

Parliament to take up Rs. 500 bn supplementary estimate

Parliament to take up Rs. 500 ...