Rare cyclone threatens millions on Australia’s east coast

Millions in eastern Australia are bracing for Tropical Cyclone Alfred, the most southerly cyclone to threaten the region in over 50 years. Expected to make landfall near Brisbane early Friday, the storm could bring major flooding, storm surges, and coastal erosion from Queensland’s Gold Coast to northern New South Wales. Authorities warn that up to 20,000 properties in Brisbane may be affected, and evacuations have … Continue reading Rare cyclone threatens millions on Australia’s east coast

Dozens found alive in metal containers after India avalanche

An avalanche in India’s Uttarakhand state buried 54 construction workers in metal containers, killing eight and trapping others for nearly two days. Rescuers saved 46 workers, who survived due to sufficient oxygen in the containers. The 60-hour rescue operation, conducted in freezing temperatures, involved the Indian army and disaster response teams using helicopters and drones. Many of the rescued workers are receiving treatment, the BBC … Continue reading Dozens found alive in metal containers after India avalanche

Terror attack in Haifa, Israel leaves 1 dead, 4 wounded

A stabbing attack in Haifa, Israel, left one dead and four injured on Monday. Authorities are treating it as a militant attack. The attacker, an Arab Israeli recently returned from abroad, was killed by a security guard and a civilian. The victim was a 70-year-old man, while a 15-year-old boy was among the wounded. Hamas praised the attack but did not claim responsibility, Fox News … Continue reading Terror attack in Haifa, Israel leaves 1 dead, 4 wounded

UK orders $2 billion worth of air-defense missiles for Ukraine

The U.K. has placed a £1.6 billion ($2 billion) order with Thales for over 5,000 air defense missiles to support Ukraine. The deal, announced after a European leaders’ meeting in London, aims to counter increased Russian missile and drone attacks. The missiles will be produced in Belfast, creating 200 jobs and supporting 700 more. Funded through UK Export Finance, the contract is the largest ever … Continue reading UK orders $2 billion worth of air-defense missiles for Ukraine

Two killed, 11 injured after car rams crowd in German city of Mannheim

A deliberate car-ramming attack in Mannheim, Germany, killed two people and injured 11 others on Monday. Authorities ruled out political or religious motives, citing the suspect’s psychological illness. The attacker, a 40-year-old German national, struck people at high speed before being arrested. The incident follows a series of similar attacks in Germany, raising security concerns, CNN has reported. Officials, including CDU leader Friedrich Merz, condemned … Continue reading Two killed, 11 injured after car rams crowd in German city of Mannheim

Pope ‘alert’ after respiratory failure

Pope Francis, 88, suffered two episodes of acute respiratory failure on Monday, requiring medical intervention to clear mucus from his lungs. He has resumed using an oxygen mask and ventilator but remains alert. This marks the third serious downturn since his hospitalization for pneumonia 18 days ago. His illness has prevented him from delivering the Angelus prayer in person for three weeks, and he will … Continue reading Pope ‘alert’ after respiratory failure

US aircraft carrier arrives in South Korea after North Korea test-fired missiles

The USS Carl Vinson arrived in South Korea to reinforce the U.S.-South Korea military alliance after North Korea’s recent cruise missile test. This marks the first U.S. aircraft carrier visit to South Korea since June. North Korea, which sees such deployments as threats, has previously responded with missile tests. Meanwhile, Kim Jong Un remains focused on supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine and is unlikely to … Continue reading US aircraft carrier arrives in South Korea after North Korea test-fired missiles

Haiti police raid gang leader’s stronghold in capital

Haitian police launched a major operation in a gang-controlled shantytown, killing several gang members in Lower Delmas, Port-au-Prince. The assault targets Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier, leader of the powerful Viv Ansam gang coalition. Reports suggest military drones with explosives are being used. Prime Minister Fils-Aimé praised the newly formed special task force behind the operation. It is unclear if Kenyan police, deployed to combat gangs, are … Continue reading Haiti police raid gang leader’s stronghold in capital

Kurdish militant group PKK declares ceasefire after decades of conflict with Turkey

The Kurdish militant group PKK has declared a ceasefire after its imprisoned leader, Abdullah Ocalan, called on fighters to disarm. The move, seen as a potential political gain for Turkish President Erdoğan, follows years of conflict since the PKK launched its insurgency in the 1980s. Analysts remain skeptical about the ceasefire’s long-term viability, as divisions exist within the PKK and Erdoğan’s government continues to pressure … Continue reading Kurdish militant group PKK declares ceasefire after decades of conflict with Turkey

Pope Francis off mechanical ventilator, has no fever or signs of infection: Vatican

Pope Francis, 88, remains stable in the hospital as he recovers from double pneumonia but continues to receive high-flow oxygen therapy. The Vatican confirmed he no longer requires mechanical ventilation and has no fever or signs of infection. Despite his condition, he attended Mass, met with Vatican officials, and issued a written Sunday blessing, reflecting on frailty, faith, and the absurdity of war. His prognosis … Continue reading Pope Francis off mechanical ventilator, has no fever or signs of infection: Vatican

Norway fuel giant ‘refuses to fill US submarines’ after Trump-Zelensky clash

Norwegian fuel supplier Haltbakk Bunkers has banned fuel sales to all U.S. forces in Norway following Donald Trump’s heated exchange with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House. The company’s owner, Gunnar Gran, stated that “not a liter” would be provided until Trump is out of office, citing moral concerns over the U.S. administration’s treatment of Ukraine. The ban applies to American vessels at … Continue reading Norway fuel giant ‘refuses to fill US submarines’ after Trump-Zelensky clash

Pope health ‘suddenly worsens’ in hospital

Pope Francis, 88, suffered a sudden breathing crisis due to bronchospasm while in the hospital, triggering vomiting and respiratory complications. Vatican medical staff acted quickly, using non-invasive ventilation, and he responded well. Despite the scare, he remained alert and continued overseeing Vatican affairs from his hospital room. His condition, caused by a complex infection and pneumonia in both lungs, remains serious but stable. The Vatican … Continue reading Pope health ‘suddenly worsens’ in hospital

Deadly explosions hit rebel rally in DR Congo

Gunfire and explosions erupted at a rally held by Rwanda-backed rebels in Bukavu, eastern DR Congo, killing at least 11 and injuring 60, according to reports. The rebels blamed President Tshisekedi’s government, while he accused a “foreign army.” Rebel leader Corneille Nangaa had earlier promised security in the city before the attack. The rebels, including M23, have seized key cities since January, displacing 500,000 people, … Continue reading Deadly explosions hit rebel rally in DR Congo

North Korea’s Kim orders nuclear readiness after missile test, state media says

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw a strategic cruise missile test and ordered full nuclear readiness, calling it the most effective defense, state media reported. The test, conducted Wednesday over the sea, aimed to warn “enemies” and demonstrate nuclear capabilities. South Korea confirmed tracking the launches. Unlike ballistic missiles, cruise missiles are not banned under U.N. resolutions. The test follows Kim’s military school visits, … Continue reading North Korea’s Kim orders nuclear readiness after missile test, state media says

Mexico sends 29 cartel suspects to U.S. to face charges, including drug lord Rafael Caro Quintero

Mexico extradited drug lord Rafael Caro Quintero, wanted for the 1985 killing of a U.S. DEA agent, along with 28 other cartel members to the U.S. The prisoners face charges including drug trafficking, murder, and money laundering. Among them are Los Zetas leaders Miguel and Omar Treviño Morales. The transfer coincided with Mexican officials’ visit to Washington amid trade and security negotiations. Caro Quintero, arrested … Continue reading Mexico sends 29 cartel suspects to U.S. to face charges, including drug lord Rafael Caro Quintero

At least 13 injured after car rams into bus stop in Israel

A car rammed into a bus stop at Karkur Junction, Israel, injuring at least 13 people, including a critically wounded 17-year-old girl. The suspect, a 53-year-old Palestinian from Jenin living in Israel without a permit, fled but was stopped by police. He rammed a police vehicle and was “neutralized” after charging officers with a sharp object. Among the injured are a police officer and several … Continue reading At least 13 injured after car rams into bus stop in Israel

Mystery Disease Linked to Bats Kills Scores in Congo

A fast-spreading mystery illness linked to bats has killed 60 people in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with nearly half dying within 48 hours, the WHO reported. The disease, causing hemorrhagic fever symptoms, has infected over 1,000 people, with outbreaks in Équateur Province. Scientists suspect a new virus, as Ebola and Marburg have been ruled out. The outbreak worsens Congo’s healthcare crisis, already strained by … Continue reading Mystery Disease Linked to Bats Kills Scores in Congo

MH370: search for missing Malaysia Airlines flight resumes after 11 years

A new search for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 has begun, over a decade after its disappearance in 2014. Maritime firm Ocean Infinity has resumed the hunt under a “no-find-no-fee” deal with Malaysia, covering 15,000 sq km of the southern Indian Ocean. If successful, the company will receive $70 million. The renewed effort brings hope to victims’ families still seeking answers, The Guardian has reported. Previous … Continue reading MH370: search for missing Malaysia Airlines flight resumes after 11 years

Taiwan deploys forces, accuses China of causing “high degree of danger” with military drills off its coast

Taiwan deployed forces Wednesday in response to China’s “live-fire” drills near the island, condemning them as a threat to regional security. China sent 32 aircraft and warships for joint drills, designating a live-fire zone 40 nautical miles off Taiwan’s southern coast without prior warning. Taiwan’s defense ministry criticized the move as a violation of international norms and vowed to strengthen its defenses, CBS News has … Continue reading Taiwan deploys forces, accuses China of causing “high degree of danger” with military drills off its coast

State of emergency declared after blackout plunges most of Chile into darkness

A massive power outage plunged most of Chile, including Santiago, into darkness on Tuesday, prompting President Gabriel Boric to declare a state of emergency. The blackout affected 14 of 16 regions, cutting electricity to 8 million homes, disrupting transport, and knocking out internet and phone services. Authorities blamed a high-voltage transmission failure but have not identified the cause. By Wednesday, 90% of affected areas had … Continue reading State of emergency declared after blackout plunges most of Chile into darkness

Four bodies transferred to Red Cross by Hamas, Israeli security official says

Hamas has transferred four bodies to the Red Cross, with Israel expected to release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in return. This marks the final exchange under Phase 1 of the ceasefire deal, which officially ends Saturday. The bodies are being identified, and Israel has delayed previous releases over past identification errors. If confirmed as hostages, Hamas and its allies would still hold 59 captives, with … Continue reading Four bodies transferred to Red Cross by Hamas, Israeli security official says

Man found to have stashed $10,000 worth of cocaine under his toupee

A Colombian man was arrested at Cartagena’s Rafael Nunez International Airport while boarding a flight to Amsterdam after police found 19 cocaine capsules worth over $10,000 hidden under his toupee. The 40-year-old was caught through a scanner and charged with drug trafficking. Video footage showed officers removing the wig, revealing 220 grams of cocaine, the Mirror has reported. Authorities have arrested over 450 people for … Continue reading Man found to have stashed $10,000 worth of cocaine under his toupee

3 American women found dead at beach resort in Belize

Three American women from Revere, Massachusetts, were found dead at a luxury beach resort in Belize, with authorities investigating possible drug overdoses. The women, aged 23 to 26, were last seen entering their rooms Thursday night. When they failed to respond, resort staff entered their room Saturday morning and found them motionless, with froth on their mouths. Police discovered alcohol and gummies but have not … Continue reading 3 American women found dead at beach resort in Belize

Highway overpass collapses, killing at least four construction workers in South Korea

A highway overpass under construction collapsed in Cheonan, South Korea, killing four workers, including two Chinese nationals, and injuring six others. Five of the injured are in serious condition. Dashcam footage captured the sudden collapse, but no passenger cars were in the area, CNN has reported. Authorities have mobilized rescue efforts, with Acting Interior Minister Koh Ki-dong ordering all available resources to be deployed. Written … Continue reading Highway overpass collapses, killing at least four construction workers in South Korea

American woman detained in Paris after newborn baby fatally thrown from window

A U.S. woman was detained in Paris after allegedly throwing her newborn from a hotel window in the 20th arrondissement. The baby received emergency care but did not survive. Authorities are investigating it as a homicide of a minor under 15, with the Child Protection Brigade leading the case. Officials suggest it may involve pregnancy denial, where a mother is unaware of or unable to … Continue reading American woman detained in Paris after newborn baby fatally thrown from window