Poland closing Belarus border due to ‘aggressive’ Russian nuclear drill, Tusk says

Poland will close its border with Belarus at midnight Thursday in response to Russia’s large-scale Zapad military exercises, Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced. The drills, held every four years with Kremlin-allied Belarus, are designed to simulate conflict with NATO and this year feature tens of thousands of troops operating dangerously close to Poland and Lithuania. Tusk described the maneuvers as “very aggressive” and said they … Continue reading Poland closing Belarus border due to ‘aggressive’ Russian nuclear drill, Tusk says

France arrests hundreds as ‘Block Everything’ protests erupt across country

French police arrested nearly 300 people on Wednesday as “Block Everything” demonstrations spread across the country, paralyzing traffic, sparking fires, and triggering violent clashes with authorities. The nationwide protests erupted in response to President Emmanuel Macron’s policies and deep spending cuts, coming just days after Prime Minister François Bayrou was ousted in a parliamentary confidence vote and replaced by Sébastien Lecornu. Protesters accused the government … Continue reading France arrests hundreds as ‘Block Everything’ protests erupt across country

UK fires ambassador to the US Peter Mandelson over his links to Jeffrey Epstein

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has dismissed Peter Mandelson, the country’s ambassador to the United States, over his previously undisclosed ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The decision came after The Sun published emails from the 2000s showing Mandelson offering support to Epstein, even urging him to fight for early release before his 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor. Foreign Office minister … Continue reading UK fires ambassador to the US Peter Mandelson over his links to Jeffrey Epstein

ICC opens war crimes case against Ugandan rebel leader Joseph Kony

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has commenced its first-ever in absentia hearing against Joseph Kony, the elusive leader of Uganda’s Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). Kony faces 39 charges, including war crimes and crimes against humanity, stemming from decades of violence across Uganda, the Central African Republic, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Despite a 2005 arrest warrant and extensive international efforts, Kony remains … Continue reading ICC opens war crimes case against Ugandan rebel leader Joseph Kony

Princeton Doctoral Student, Held in Iraq for Over 900 Days, Is Finally Free

Elizabeth Tsurkov, a Princeton University doctoral student, was kidnapped by a militia in Iraq in 2023 and has now been released, as announced by President Trump. She holds dual Israeli and Russian citizenship and spent more than 900 days in captivity before being turned over to the U.S. Embassy in Iraq. Her family, especially her sister Emma—who is an American citizen—expressed profound joy, with Emma … Continue reading Princeton Doctoral Student, Held in Iraq for Over 900 Days, Is Finally Free

Violent Gen Z protests spiral with at least 19 killed in Nepal

After the Nepali government imposed a sweeping ban on major social media platforms, mass protests erupted—led largely by Gen Z—escalating into violence across Kathmandu. Demonstrators torched the parliament building, stormed prisons, and set fire to politicians’ homes, including that of former Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal, where his wife was inside during the blaze. The unrest turned deadly, with at least 19 people killed and … Continue reading Violent Gen Z protests spiral with at least 19 killed in Nepal

Polish and NATO forces scramble to shoot down Russian drones

Polish and NATO forces shot down drones that violated Poland’s airspace during a Russian aerial attack on Ukraine. Fighter jets were scrambled after more than a dozen drones entered Polish territory, marking the first direct involvement of NATO forces in the conflict. The Polish military confirmed weapons were used to neutralize the drones, and operations to recover debris were launched. Polish and allied aircraft, along … Continue reading Polish and NATO forces scramble to shoot down Russian drones

Hamas claims leadership survived Israeli attack in Doha, but confirms six deaths

Israel launched an airstrike in Doha, Qatar, targeting senior Hamas leaders, killing at least five members, including relatives of top negotiator Khalil al-Hayya. Hamas claimed Israel failed to assassinate its negotiating team, which was discussing a new US ceasefire proposal. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the strike as justified against those behind the October 7, 2023 attacks, while Qatar condemned it as a violation of … Continue reading Hamas claims leadership survived Israeli attack in Doha, but confirms six deaths

Freight train slams into a bus outside Mexico City and kills at least 10 people

A freight train collided with a passenger bus near Mexico City, resulting in at least 10 fatalities and numerous injuries. The accident occurred at a railway crossing, with initial reports suggesting the bus was stalled or attempting to cross the tracks. Emergency services rushed to the scene, but the remote location complicated rescue efforts. Authorities are investigating the cause, including possible signal failures or human … Continue reading Freight train slams into a bus outside Mexico City and kills at least 10 people

WWII-era bomb forces evacuation of hundreds in Slovakia’s capital

A World War II-era bomb was discovered in Bratislava, Slovakia, prompting the evacuation of hundreds of residents. The unexploded ordnance, found during construction work, posed a significant risk, leading to a swift response from authorities. Bomb disposal experts are working to defuse or safely remove the device, a process that could take days. Local officials have set up temporary shelters for displaced residents, and nearby … Continue reading WWII-era bomb forces evacuation of hundreds in Slovakia’s capital

Israeli military evacuation order triggers panic in Gaza City

An Israeli military evacuation order has caused widespread panic among residents of Gaza City, with thousands fleeing their homes. The order, issued amid escalating tensions, warned of imminent military operations targeting militant groups in the area. Civilians, already strained by ongoing conflict, face challenges finding safe routes and shelter as infrastructure remains limited. Hospitals and aid organizations are struggling to manage the influx of displaced … Continue reading Israeli military evacuation order triggers panic in Gaza City

Nepal’s plan to ban some social media triggers protests, raising concerns over freedom of expression

Nepal’s government is considering a ban on certain social media platforms, citing concerns over national security and misinformation. The proposal has sparked widespread protests, particularly among youth and activists, who argue it threatens freedom of expression. Critics claim the ban is a pretext to suppress dissent and control online narratives ahead of upcoming elections. The government has not finalized the list of targeted platforms, but … Continue reading Nepal’s plan to ban some social media triggers protests, raising concerns over freedom of expression

Drone strikes Greta Thunberg-led Gaza flotilla in Tunisian port, organizers say

A Gaza-bound aid flotilla, supported by activist Greta Thunberg, was reportedly targeted by drone strikes while docked at a Tunisian port. The attack damaged the vessel, Handala, delaying its mission to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. Organizers of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition condemned the strikes, alleging they were deliberate and aimed at preventing aid delivery. No casualties were reported, but the incident has raised concerns … Continue reading Drone strikes Greta Thunberg-led Gaza flotilla in Tunisian port, organizers say

Tom Phillips, fugitive father on run with children for nearly four years, shot dead by NZ police

Tom Phillips, who had been evading authorities in New Zealand alongside his three children since December 2021, was fatally shot by police during a confrontation over an armed burglary in Piopio. Law enforcement officers responding to the burglary engaged Phillips, who allegedly opened fire with a high-powered rifle, prompting police to return fire; they believe the man killed was Phillips pending formal identification. Later that … Continue reading Tom Phillips, fugitive father on run with children for nearly four years, shot dead by NZ police

Australian mother jailed for life after serving poisonous mushroom lunch

Erin Patterson, a 50-year-old Australian mother, was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 33 years after poisoning her former parents-in-law and aunt by lacing a beef Wellington with death cap mushrooms. Three of the four victims—her estranged in-laws—died in early August 2023, while the fourth, Reverend Ian Wilkinson, survived the poisoning only after a liver transplant and months of hospitalization. The sentencing … Continue reading Australian mother jailed for life after serving poisonous mushroom lunch

Undersea cables cut in the Red Sea, disrupting internet access in Asia and the Mideast

Multiple undersea communication cables in the Red Sea region were recently severed, causing significant internet disruption across parts of Asia and the Middle East. The outage impacted both high-speed connectivity for businesses and everyday online access for consumers. Telecommunications providers are scrambling to reroute traffic and initiate repairs, though replacements may take time due to satellite link limitations. The interruption highlights the vulnerability of global … Continue reading Undersea cables cut in the Red Sea, disrupting internet access in Asia and the Mideast

Shooting attack at Jerusalem bus stop kills 6

On the morning of September 8, 2025, two Palestinian attackers opened fire at a crowded bus stop in northern Jerusalem during rush hour, killing six people and injuring at least twelve others. An Israeli soldier and a civilian quickly returned fire, neutralizing the perpetrators on the scene. Eyewitnesses and paramedics described a chaotic scene of broken glass, scattered belongings, and unconscious victims strewn across the … Continue reading Shooting attack at Jerusalem bus stop kills 6

Russia unleashes mass assault on Ukraine with over 800 drones

Russia launched an unprecedented aerial offensive against Ukraine, deploying over 800 drones and decoys in what observers are calling the largest strike of the conflict so far. The attack targeted multiple key cities—including Kyiv, Dnipro, Kharkiv, Odesa, Zaporizhzhia, and Kremenchuk—with one drone striking Ukraine’s Cabinet of Ministers building, marking the first-ever hit on government HQ. Though Ukraine’s air defenses intercepted a majority of the incoming … Continue reading Russia unleashes mass assault on Ukraine with over 800 drones

US designates 2 more gangs in Latin America as foreign terrorist groups

The US has designated two Ecuadorian gangs as foreign terrorist organizations, part of the Trump administration’s broader push against Latin American cartels. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the move in Quito, saying Washington intends to “wage war” on such groups. The step follows a US strike on Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua, raising regional concerns over expanded military action, the Associated Press has reported. On … Continue reading US designates 2 more gangs in Latin America as foreign terrorist groups

Ukraine knocks out Russian refineries as Russia kills dozens in Kyiv

In the past week, Ukraine has escalated deep drone strikes on Russian oil refineries, knocking out up to 21% of refining capacity and worsening Moscow’s fuel shortages, forcing it to extend a petroleum export ban. Russia responded with massive missile and drone attacks on Kyiv, killing 26. Ukrainian forces continue to defend key eastern cities such as Pokrovsk and Lyman, while Russia redeploys elite units … Continue reading Ukraine knocks out Russian refineries as Russia kills dozens in Kyiv

Putin rejects Western security in Ukraine, warning troops would be target

At a Paris summit, Western allies led by France and the UK pledged to provide Ukraine with security guarantees, including a potential “reassurance force” after any ceasefire. French President Emmanuel Macron said 26 allies were prepared to commit troops, though details remain unclear. Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected the plan, warning that foreign forces in Ukraine would be “legitimate targets” and insisting Moscow should act … Continue reading Putin rejects Western security in Ukraine, warning troops would be target

Third earthquake hits Afghanistan as death toll rises above 2,200

A series of powerful earthquakes, including a 6.2-magnitude tremor on Thursday, have devastated eastern Afghanistan, raising the death toll from Sunday’s quake to over 2,200. Entire villages in Kunar province were destroyed, with nearly all homes damaged, leaving tens of thousands homeless. Rescue efforts are hampered by landslides, rough terrain, and severe shortages of aid, as international support has dwindled since the Taliban takeover. Aid … Continue reading Third earthquake hits Afghanistan as death toll rises above 2,200

Pentagon warns Venezuela after claiming military aircraft flew by Navy vessel

The US Defense Department said two Venezuelan fighter jets flew close to the guided-missile destroyer Jason Dunham in international waters, calling the move “highly provocative” and warning Caracas not to interfere with US counter-narcotics operations. Venezuela has not commented on the incident, instead highlighting President Nicolás Maduro’s activation of the National Militia amid rising tensions. Washington accuses Maduro of ties to drug cartels and has deployed warships … Continue reading Pentagon warns Venezuela after claiming military aircraft flew by Navy vessel

In Canada, ‘medical aid in dying’ becomes leading cause of death

Recent investigations reveal that safeguards in physician-assisted suicide laws are frequently ignored, challenging claims that such measures can be tightly controlled. In U.S. states where assisted suicide is legal, oversight is weak, rules are routinely violated, and regulations are being loosened, creating “suicide tourism” destinations. Canada’s medical assistance in dying (MAID) program illustrates the extreme outcome, with euthanasia now accounting for 1 in 20 deaths … Continue reading In Canada, ‘medical aid in dying’ becomes leading cause of death

At least 60 dead after boat sinks in Nigeria, officials say

At least 60 people have died after a boat carrying over 100 passengers capsized in Niger State, Nigeria, while heading to Dugga for a condolence visit. Authorities said the accident was caused by overloading and a collision with a submerged tree stump. Women and children made up the majority of the victims, and rescue operations are ongoing to locate missing passengers, Al-Jazeera has reported. Boat … Continue reading At least 60 dead after boat sinks in Nigeria, officials say