A 21-year-old Ukrainian man, Roman Lavrynovych, has been remanded in custody after being charged with three counts of arson with intent to endanger life following fires at two properties and a car linked to UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Arrested in Sydenham, Lavrynovych appeared in court but entered no plea. The incidents, investigated by the Counter Terror Command, include a fire at a home … Continue reading Man in court over fires at homes and car linked to Starmer

Israel launched dozens of airstrikes across Gaza on Friday, killing 108 people—mostly women and children—according to Gaza health officials, as part of an intensified effort to pressure Hamas to release hostages. Strikes also targeted Houthi-controlled ports in Yemen, killing at least one person. The attacks coincided with U.S. President Donald Trump’s regional visit, during which he expressed concern over Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, the Associated Press … Continue reading Israel expands attacks in Gaza and Yemen as Trump wraps up trip to region

The first direct Russia-Ukraine peace talks since early in the war ended in under two hours, resulting in a major prisoner swap agreement but little progress on key issues. Ukraine and its allies pushed for a ceasefire, but Russia did not agree. Both sides pledged to exchange 1,000 prisoners and share detailed ceasefire proposals, the Associated Press has reported. Ukrainian leaders urged continued pressure on … Continue reading Russia-Ukraine peace talks end after less than 2 hours with deal to swap POWs but no ceasefire

A bronze statue of Melania Trump has been stolen from a field near her hometown of Sevnica, Slovenia, after being cut off at the ankles. The life-size sculpture, created by American artist Brad Downey, replaced a wooden version that was burned in 2020. Police have launched an investigation, and Downey speculated the theft might be linked to Donald Trump’s election campaign, the New York Post … Continue reading Melania Trump statue cut off at feet, stolen from her native Slovenia

A high-ranking Swedish diplomat under suspicion of espionage has been found dead, days after being arrested and released by Sweden’s Säpo intelligence agency. Authorities say there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death. The diplomat had denied any wrongdoing and had filed a complaint of excessive force during his arrest. Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard expressed sorrow, while prosecutors confirmed the espionage investigation remains ongoing, … Continue reading Shock in Sweden at death of diplomat questioned for spying

Iraq has released over 19,000 prisoners under a new amnesty law aimed at easing overcrowding in its prisons, including some convicted of terrorism-related offenses. The law, passed in January, halts executions and allows retrials for those who claim confessions were obtained under torture. While excluding those convicted of extremist killings, it has been supported by Sunni lawmakers who argue anti-terror laws disproportionately targeted their communities. … Continue reading Iraq frees over 19,000 prisoners under new amnesty

German authorities have banned the extremist “Kingdom of Germany” group and arrested its self-declared monarch, Peter Fitzek, along with three top members. Linked to the far-right Reichsbürger movement, the group rejected the legitimacy of the German state and operated illegal financial schemes while claiming to be a sovereign monarchy. Raids involving 800 officers targeted properties across the country. Officials say the group’s activities were criminal … Continue reading Germany arrests ‘King Peter’

American-Israeli soldier Edan Alexander, held hostage in Gaza for over 19 months, was released by Hamas on Monday and returned to Israel via the Red Cross. His release, which Israeli PM Netanyahu credited to military and political pressure from President Trump, comes amid ongoing negotiations and calls for a ceasefire. Alexander, 21, was captured during Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel, NBC News has … Continue reading Hamas releases American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander

Several relatives of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán have entered the U.S. as part of negotiations linked to a plea deal involving his son, Ovidio Guzmán López, according to Mexico’s Security Secretary. Ovidio, extradited to the U.S. in September 2023 on drug trafficking charges, initially pleaded not guilty but recently agreed to change his plea. Reports say 17 of his relatives crossed the border, though none … Continue reading Relatives of El Chapo enter US as part of ‘negotiation,’ Mexico’s security secretary says

At least 48 Palestinians, including 22 children and 15 women, were killed in Israeli airstrikes on northern Gaza overnight, according to a local hospital. The strikes hit homes in Jabalia town and refugee camp following rocket fire into Israel. Meanwhile, a separate Israeli strike on the European Hospital in southern Gaza killed 28 people, allegedly targeting Hamas leader Mohammed Sinwar. The UN’s humanitarian chief accused … Continue reading Israeli strikes in northern Gaza kill at least 48, hospital says

A passenger bus in Sri Lanka’s central hill country skidded off a cliff near Kotmale early Sunday, killing 21 people and injuring 35 others, according to police. The bus, carrying around 50 passengers, was operated by a state-run company. Authorities are investigating whether driver error or a mechanical fault caused the crash, NBC News has reported. Deadly bus accidents are common in the region due … Continue reading Passenger bus skids off a cliff in Sri Lanka, killing 21 people and injuring 35

Polish officials announced that the massive fire that destroyed Warsaw’s Marywilska 44 shopping center in May 2024 was an act of arson ordered by Russian intelligence. The blaze, which devastated 1,400 shops—many run by Vietnamese vendors—was part of a broader sabotage campaign, authorities said. Some suspects are in custody, others are being pursued, and Poland is cooperating with Lithuania in the investigation, CNN has reported. … Continue reading Poland blames Russia for arson attack on Warsaw shopping center last year

Israel launched airstrikes on Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, on Tuesday, disabling the main international airport and hitting power plants in response to a Houthi missile strike near Israel’s main airport a day earlier. The strikes followed a warning urging civilians to evacuate. Additional Israeli attacks Monday night hit Yemen’s Hodeida province, killing at least four and injuring dozens. The Houthis have regularly targeted Israel in support … Continue reading Yemen’s main airport in Sanaa disabled in airstrikes, Israel’s military says

India launched military strikes into Pakistan-controlled Kashmir and Pakistan earlier this week, killing over 100 militants, including key leaders, according to Indian military officials. Lt. Gen. Rajiv Ghai said nine militant sites, including Lashkar-e-Taiba facilities, were targeted in a surprise attack. In response, Pakistan claimed it hit 26 Indian military positions, asserting India sought the ceasefire agreed upon Saturday. Both nations exchanged heavy fire before … Continue reading India claims its strikes inside Pakistan territory last week killed over 100 militants

In his first Sunday blessing as pope, Leo XIV called for a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, and peace in Ukraine, echoing the advocacy of his predecessor, Pope Francis. Speaking from St. Peter’s Basilica, Leo urged world leaders to reject war and provide aid to suffering civilians. He also welcomed a ceasefire between India and Pakistan and emphasized his commitment to the Church’s … Continue reading Pope Leo XIV calls for Gaza ceasefire and peace in Ukraine

The British government plans to overhaul its immigration system by limiting skilled worker visas to graduate-level jobs and requiring businesses to train more local workers, aiming to end what it calls a “failed free market experiment” in immigration. Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces pressure to reduce net migration after strong local election results for the anti-immigration Reform UK party. A new white paper will outline … Continue reading UK plans to end ‘failed free market experiment’ in immigration

The U.S. is cutting $50 million in health aid to Zambia over widespread theft of donated medical supplies, with U.S. officials accusing the government of failing to act despite repeated warnings. An investigation found that over 2,000 pharmacies were selling stolen drugs meant to be distributed for free, including U.S.-donated HIV, malaria, and TB medications. The aid cut, effective January next year, follows years of … Continue reading US cuts aid to Zambia over ‘systematic’ medicine theft

Vladimir Putin led Russia’s Victory Day parade in Moscow under tight security, using the event to justify the ongoing war in Ukraine as a continuation of WWII’s fight against Nazism. Despite announcing a three-day ceasefire, Ukraine reported thousands of Russian attacks and dismissed the truce as a “theatrical show.” China’s Xi Jinping was the guest of honor among 20+ world leaders, signaling strong Russia-China ties. … Continue reading Putin hosts Victory Day parade with tight security and a short ceasefire

Pakistan launched multiple drone and artillery attacks along India’s western border overnight, intensifying the worst fighting between the two nuclear-armed nations since 1999. The clashes erupted after India struck alleged terrorist camps in Pakistan in retaliation for a deadly attack on Hindu tourists in Kashmir. Nearly 50 people have died in escalating cross-border shelling, drone strikes, and ceasefire violations. India accused Pakistan of targeting cities … Continue reading Pakistan launched multiple attacks along India’s western border, India says

Tensions between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan have escalated sharply, with Pakistan claiming to have killed up to 50 Indian soldiers in response to missile strikes and drone attacks in Kashmir. Both nations accuse each other of targeting civilians and using drones, missiles, and heavy artillery. Pakistan also claims to have downed multiple Indian fighter jets and drones, while India insists its attacks targeted terrorist camps … Continue reading Pakistan claims to have killed 50 Indian soldiers

Spain’s Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Díaz was the target of a knife-wielding man who attacked her bodyguards in broad daylight near Madrid’s Ateneo Theatre on May 8. Police tasered and arrested the suspect, who had threatened officers and himself before being subdued. Díaz was unharmed and informed later, the U.S. Sun has reported. The incident follows recent political violence in Spain, including the shooting of … Continue reading Spain’s deputy PM attacked by man with two knives

Cardinal Robert Prevost, a Chicago-born missionary and former head of the Vatican’s bishop office, has been elected pope—the first American in the Church’s 2,000-year history—taking the name Leo XIV. In his first address from St. Peter’s Basilica, the 69-year-old emphasized peace and missionary work. A former leader in the Augustinian order, Prevost was appointed to a key Vatican role by Pope Francis in 2023, giving … Continue reading Robert Prevost of the United States is named Pope Leo XIV

At least 33 Palestinians were killed and dozens wounded in Israeli airstrikes on a restaurant and market in Gaza City, according to medics and the Hamas-run health ministry. The strikes, which hit the crowded Thailandy restaurant and nearby al-Wahda Street marketplace, occurred amid a broader Israeli offensive that has killed at least 59 people since Tuesday night, including many sheltering in schools. Israel says it … Continue reading Israeli strikes on Gaza restaurant and market kill 33, health ministry says

The USS Harry S. Truman has lost a third F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet during its current Middle East deployment, this time after a failed landing caused by arresting gear malfunction. Both aviators ejected safely and sustained minor injuries. The incident follows a previous jet loss just over a week ago during towing operations, and another friendly fire downing in December. The carrier also collided with a … Continue reading Another Fighter Jet Tumbles from Truman Carrier Deck into Red Sea

Thick black smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney signaled that cardinals failed to elect a new pope in their first vote following Pope Francis’s death on April 21. The 133 cardinals, many appointed by Francis, are now locked in daily voting until one candidate receives a two-thirds majority. With no clear frontrunner and a wide range of ideological views, the conclave may take time. The … Continue reading Black smoke as Vatican conclave fails to elect new pope on first ballot