September 26, 2022

*) Giorgia Meloni's far-right triumphs in Italy vote Giorgia Meloni looks set to become Italy's first woman prime minister at the head of its most right-wing government since World War Two. Near-final results show the rightist bloc should have a solid majority in both houses of parliament. Meloni has said she is ready to govern for "all Italians". Her success in the general elections represents a seismic change in Italy — a founding member of the European Union — and for the EU, just weeks after the far-right outperformed in elections in Sweden. *) US warns Russia of 'catastrophic' consequences of nuclear strike The United States has warned Russia privately of "catastrophic" consequences if it uses nuclear weapons as part of the Ukraine conflict, according to top US officials. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in an interview, has confirmed reports that the US has sent private warnings to Russia to steer clear of nuclear war. Jake Sullivan, President Joe Biden's national security advisor, has said in a separate interview that the US has warned Russia at "very high levels" against using nuclear arms. *) Iranians protest for 10th night, defying judiciary warning Iranians defied a warning from the judiciary and took to the streets for a 10th consecutive night on Sunday to protest the death of a young woman in the custody of morality police. Public anger has flared since authorities announced the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who had been held for allegedly wearing a hijab headscarf in an improper way. At least 41 people have died since the unrest began, mostly protesters but including members of Iran's security forces, according to an official toll. Other sources say the real figure is higher. *) Five rescuers killed in Philippine typhoon Five rescuers have been killed in the Philippines after being sent to a flooded community during a powerful typhoon, authorities have said. The strongest storm to hit the Philippines this year has swept across the main island of Luzon, toppling trees and flooding