David Smith

David J. Smith has over 30 years’ experience as a consultant, lawyer, mediator, professor, trainer, senior manager, career coach, and author. He supports educators, youth, and professionals in promoting civic, conflict, and peacebuilding awareness.
Nineteen jailed over deadly Moscow concert attack.

Russia Jails 19 Over Moscow Concert Hall Attack

How does a country respond to one of the deadliest terror attacks in its recent history? In Russia, the answer has now come in the form of harsh prison sentences. A military court has jailed 19 people for their roles in the devastating 2024 attack at the Crocus City Concert Hall near Moscow. The assault

Trump sacks Noem after uproar over $220m ad blitz.

Trump Fires Noem After $220m Ad Controversy

Why is the head of US homeland security stepping down just months into intense political scrutiny? The answer lies in a swirl of controversy, criticism, and political pressure. Kristi Noem, a key figure in Donald Trump’s tough immigration push, will leave her post as head of the US Department of Homeland Security at the end

Anger as woman’s headless body found in Istanbul bin.

Anger As Woman’s Headless Body Found In Istanbul Bin

A shocking discovery in Istanbul has ignited fresh anger over violence against women. Who could ignore a story like this — a woman found dead, her body mutilated and dumped in a rubbish bin in the Sisli district? It’s the kind of brutality that makes people ask: How has this become so normal? The victim,

Bodies of 21 migrants found in Libyan grave.

Bodies Of 21 Migrants Found In Libyan Grave

What began as a routine security tip quickly turned into a chilling scene. In eastern Libya, authorities have uncovered at least 21 bodies buried in a mass grave near the town of Ajdabiya. It exposes yet another dark chapter in the region’s migrant crisis. Security forces raided a nearby farm after receiving reports that migrants

Long-lost ‘masterpiece’ sells for almost 3m euros.

Long-lost ‘Masterpiece’ Sells For Nearly €3m

What’s more thrilling than discovering buried treasure? Finding a forgotten Rubens masterpiece sitting quietly in a Paris mansion. That’s exactly what happened when auctioneer Jean-Pierre Osenat stumbled upon a 1613 painting of Christ on the cross. It was a work he later called “a masterpiece” created when Rubens was “at the height of his talent.”

Tanzania’s Hassan declared landslide winner in election marred by violence.

Tanzania’s Hassan Wins By Landslide In Violence-Marred Election

Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan has secured a sweeping victory — nearly 98% of the vote. The election has sparked anger and deadly unrest across the country. The win, announced Saturday, gives Hassan, 65, another five years in power. But it comes amid accusations of repression and an opposition boycott that turned what critics called

Families search Mexican forest for remains of over 100 missing.

Families Scour Mexican Forest For Remains Of 100+ Missing People

In the quiet woods south of Mexico City, the sound of shovels and machetes breaks the silence. Families are digging—not for treasure, but for truth. They’re searching for loved ones who vanished without a trace, feared to be buried in the dense forests of Ajusco. Imagine combing through the earth, hoping for closure yet dreading

Trump announces new tariffs on drugs, trucks and kitchen cabinets.

Trump Hits Drugs, Trucks And Cabinets With New Tariffs

Donald Trump is cranking up the tariff machine again — and this time, he’s targeting everything from prescription drugs to kitchen cabinets. Starting 1 October, branded or patented drug imports face a 100% tariff unless companies are building plants in the US. Heavy-duty trucks? Add 25%. Kitchen and bathroom cabinets? A whopping 50%. Even upholstered

AI 'friend' chatbots probed over child protection.

AI ‘Friend’ Chatbots Under Investigation Over Child Safety

What happens when your child’s “online best friend” is an AI chatbot — and no one’s watching? That’s exactly what the U.S. Federal Trade Commission wants to know. In a new probe announced this week, the FTC is demanding answers from seven tech heavyweights — Alphabet, OpenAI, Character.ai, Snap, XAI, Meta and Instagram. The probe

Three dead after protests over death of taxi driver in Indonesia.

Three Killed In Indonesia Protests Over Taxi Driver’s Death

What started as anger over low wages and politicians’ perks has now turned deadly in Indonesia. Three people were killed after protesters torched a council building in the country’s east, while chaos spread across major cities. At the heart of it all is the death of 21-year-old ride-sharing driver Affan Kurniawan. He was run over

Abortion drug could help reduce risk of breast cancer, group of medics says.

Abortion Drug May Lower Breast Cancer Risk, Doctors Say

Could a pill used for abortions also help prevent breast cancer? A group of international doctors and scientists thinks so — and they’re frustrated that stigma is stopping the research. The drug in question, mifepristone, is well-known as part of a two-step process for ending early pregnancies. But here’s the twist: three separate studies —

Famous croc wrangler urged friends to 'torch' evidence, trial hears.

Croc Wrangler On Trial For Instructing Friends To Burn Evidence

Did Aussie TV personality Matt Wright try to cover his tracks after a fatal helicopter crash? Prosecutors say yes. The famed crocodile wrangler—best known for Outback Wrangler and Wild Croc Territory—is now on trial. He is allegedly trying to pervert the course of justice. This follows a 2022 crash that killed his co-star Chris “Willow”