A Russian court sentenced US Staff Sgt. Gordon Black to three years and nine months in a penal colony for theft and threatening murder, according to state news agency RIA Novosti. Black was arrested in May in Vladivostok for allegedly stealing 10,000 rubles (about $112) from a woman believed to be his girlfriend, after meeting her in South Korea and visiting Russia in April. He … Continue reading US soldier sentenced to nearly four years in Russian penal colony, state media reports

Chinese forces seized two Philippine rubber boats delivering supplies to a military outpost at the disputed Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, resulting in injuries to some Filipino navy personnel, according to Philippine security officials. Following the incident, the United States reiterated its defense commitment to treaty ally Philippines. The confrontation occurred at the shoal, where a small Philippine navy contingent is stationed … Continue reading Philippine officials say Chinese forces seized 2 navy boats in disputed shoal, injuring sailors

At least 323 Egyptian pilgrims died during the Hajj pilgrimage in western Saudi Arabia, primarily due to heat-related illnesses, according to two Arab diplomats. Except for one individual who died from injuries sustained in a minor crowd crush, all other deaths were heat-related. The diplomats reported these figures from the hospital morgue in Al-Muaisem, Mecca. Additionally, at least 60 Jordanians died, an increase from the … Continue reading More than 300 Egyptians die from heat during Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, diplomats say

Security concerns have prompted the United States Agriculture Department (U.S.D.A.) to suspend inspections of avocados and mangos imported from Mexico indefinitely. While produce already cleared for export remains unaffected, future avocado supplies in the U.S., primarily sourced from Michoacán, could be impacted if inspections do not resume. The U.S.D.A. stated that inspections will stay paused until a security review is completed and new protocols are … Continue reading USDA Suspends Avocado Inspections in Mexico, Citing Security Concerns

A Chinese military submarine designed for carrying nuclear warheads was seen surfacing in the Taiwan Strait. The 11,000-ton “Jin class” submarine appeared alongside several warships as President Xi Jinping continues to expand China’s nuclear arsenal. The submarine surfaced near fishermen in a popular fishing district around 5 am on Thursday. It was reported to be in distress, remaining stationary on the water for several minutes … Continue reading China nuke sub surfaces off Taiwan