Global military spending surged by nearly 10% in 2024—the largest annual increase since the Cold War—driven by ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, according to a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). Total global spending reached over $2.7 trillion, with the U.S. remaining the top spender at $997 billion. Russia’s spending jumped 38% to $149 billion, while Ukraine’s rose modestly … Continue reading Global powers boost military budgets by record percent

At least 22 people were killed and three others injured after a fire broke out at a restaurant in Liaoning, northern China, on Tuesday afternoon, according to state media. The blaze started around 12:25 p.m. local time in a multi-story building. Images from the scene showed intense flames erupting from windows and doors. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, ABC News has … Continue reading 22 people killed, 3 injured in restaurant fire in China

Four former pro-democracy lawmakers in Hong Kong—Claudia Mo, Kwok Ka-ki, Jeremy Tam, and Gary Fan—were released from prison after serving part of their sentences under the National Security Law. They had been jailed for over three years after pleading guilty to subversion for organizing an unofficial opposition primary. Their release accounts for time served since their 2021 arrests, the BBC has reported. The case was … Continue reading Hong Kong frees four pro-democracy lawmakers who completed jail terms

Three people were killed in a shooting at a hair salon in central Uppsala, Sweden, just before the city’s Walpurgis spring festival. The shooter fled on a scooter and remains at large, prompting a major police search involving helicopters and temporarily halted train services. The motive and identities of the victims are unknown, the BBC has reported. The incident comes amid growing concern over rising … Continue reading Three people killed after shooting in Sweden

Pakistani soldiers fired at Indian positions along the Kashmir border for a second night, the Indian military said Saturday, amid rising tensions after a deadly attack killed 26 people, mostly Indian tourists. India blamed Pakistan for backing the assault, which was claimed by a little-known group, Kashmir Resistance. Pakistan denies involvement. No casualties were reported in the cross-border fire. The attack, one of the worst … Continue reading Indian military says Pakistani troops fired at positions along the border in disputed Kashmir

A US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet fell overboard from the USS Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea during towing operations, reportedly after the ship made a hard turn to evade fire from Yemen’s Houthi rebels. All crew are accounted for, with one sailor sustaining a minor injury after jumping from the jet before it went overboard. The $60 million aircraft has sunk, and an investigation is … Continue reading US Navy loses $60 million jet at sea after it fell overboard from aircraft carrier

Power has been mostly restored across Spain and Portugal after a massive blackout Monday disrupted daily life, halted transport, and caused chaos across the Iberian Peninsula and parts of France. While 99% of Spain and most of Portugal have electricity again, transport disruptions are expected to continue. Authorities are still investigating the cause, with Spain reporting a sudden loss of 15 gigawatts—about 60% of national … Continue reading Power mostly restored as Spain and Portugal grapple with fallout of massive outage

After a militant attack killed 26 people in India-administered Kashmir, Indian authorities detained at least 1,500 people and destroyed several homes linked to suspected militants. India blamed Pakistan for backing the attackers, escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed nations. Pakistan denied involvement and called for a neutral investigation, NPR has reported. Kashmiri residents and lawmakers accused Indian security forces of demolishing homes without due process, … Continue reading Homes destroyed and 1,500 detained in Kashmir as India cracks down following attacks

A suspect has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder after allegedly driving an SUV into a crowd at a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver, killing at least 11 and injuring dozens. The suspect, Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, was arrested at the scene and has a history of mental health issues. Authorities say there is no sign of terrorism. The tragedy, described as “the … Continue reading Suspect charged with murder over Vancouver Filipino festival car ramming

China’s coastguard seized Sandy Cay, a disputed reef near the Philippines’ key outpost in the South China Sea, raising tensions during U.S.-Philippines military exercises. China planted its flag on the reef, claiming sovereignty for the first time in years. Although no permanent occupation is reported yet, the move heightens fears of future Chinese expansion. The U.S. called the action “deeply concerning,” warning it threatens regional … Continue reading China seizes disputed reef in the South China Sea

A massive explosion and fire at Iran’s Shahid Rajaei port on Saturday killed 25 people and injured around 800, reportedly linked to a shipment of missile fuel chemicals. The blast occurred as U.S.-Iran nuclear talks took place in Oman. Although Iranian officials denied missile fuel was involved, reports suggest the fire stemmed from mishandling solid rocket propellant, the Associated Press has reported. The fire was … Continue reading Massive explosion at Iran port linked to missile fuel shipment

Michael Gloss, 21, the son of CIA deputy director Julianne Gallina Gloss and Navy veteran Larry Gloss, was killed in April 2024 while secretly fighting for Russia in Ukraine, a fact only recently revealed by an iStories investigation. His parents, unaware he had joined the Russian military, described him as a “peacenik” struggling with mental health issues. After traveling through Italy, Turkey, and Georgia, Michael … Continue reading CIA deputy director’s son died fighting for RUSSIA in Ukraine

A student was killed and at least three others injured in a stabbing at the Notre-Dame-de-Toutes-Aides school in Nantes, western France, on Thursday. The attacker, reportedly restrained by a teacher, was arrested at the scene. The school, which has around 2,000 students, was evacuated, and a heavy police and emergency presence was deployed. Officials including France’s education and interior ministers are visiting the site. Local … Continue reading Student killed in French school stabbing attack, reports say

Benin’s government has confirmed that 54 soldiers were killed in a jihadist attack last week near the borders with Burkina Faso and Niger, far higher than the previously reported toll of eight. The al-Qaeda-linked group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM), based in Mali, claimed responsibility. This marks the deadliest attack in northern Benin since insurgents began operating there, the BBC has reported. Benin vowed … Continue reading Benin admits that 54 soldiers killed in attack by al-Qaeda group

During recent nuclear talks in Rome, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff that reaching a final deal on President Trump’s tight 60-day timetable may not be realistic, suggesting an interim deal instead. While Iran’s UN mission denied the proposal, sources confirmed Araghchi raised the idea. Witkoff declined to consider an interim deal for now, focusing instead on completing a full agreement. … Continue reading Iran raised possible interim nuclear deal with U.S., sources say

At least 12 people were killed and dozens injured in a massive overnight Russian attack on Kyiv and other Ukrainian regions, involving nearly 70 missiles and 150 drones. Amid growing international pressure for a peace deal, Donald Trump publicly urged Vladimir Putin to stop the strikes, calling them “very bad timing.” Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is cutting his Africa trip short to return home. Meanwhile, U.S. … Continue reading ‘Vladimir, STOP!’ Trump says to Putin after deadliest Russian strike on Kyiv in months

Tensions between India and Pakistan have sharply escalated after a militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir killed 26 tourists. India blamed the Pakistan-based group Lashkar-e-Taiba and identified three suspects, two of them Pakistani. Pakistan denied involvement and criticized India’s lack of evidence. In response to the accusations and diplomatic actions by India—including border closures and visa suspensions—Pakistan expelled Indian diplomats, suspended trade, and closed its airspace … Continue reading Pakistan suspends visas for Indians after deadly Kashmir attack on tourists

Russia is escalating hybrid attacks targeting the Netherlands and its European allies, including cyberattacks and potential sabotage, according to Dutch military intelligence (MIVD). The agency reported a Russian cyberattack on a Dutch public service and attempts to compromise critical infrastructure, possibly in preparation for sabotage. These hybrid threats include espionage, cyberattacks, and disinformation aimed at destabilizing society. The MIVD also warned of Russian surveillance of … Continue reading Russia is upping hybrid attacks against Europe, Dutch intelligence says

Israeli police are searching for a swimmer feared to have been attacked by a shark off the coast near Hadera. The area, known for its population of endangered dusky and sandbar sharks, draws crowds who often swim near or even interact with the sharks, despite repeated warnings from conservation groups. The missing man reportedly entered the water to swim with the sharks during a busy … Continue reading Suspected shark attack closes Israeli beach as police search for swimmer

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Ukraine is ready for peace talks with Russia “in any format” once a ceasefire is in place. The Financial Times reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered to halt the war along current front lines, potentially backing off some territorial claims. Talks are ongoing, with U.S., European, and Ukrainian officials set to meet in London. Meanwhile, the U.S. reportedly … Continue reading Ukraine presses for ceasefire as Russia reported to offer concession

Twenty-six people were killed and 17 injured when suspected militants opened fire on tourists in Pahalgam, a popular destination in India’s Jammu and Kashmir territory, in the deadliest civilian attack since the 2008 Mumbai attacks. The victims included 25 Indians and one Nepalese national. A little-known group called “Kashmir Resistance” claimed responsibility, citing anger over demographic changes in the region. Prime Minister Modi cut short … Continue reading Attack on tourists in India’s Kashmir kills 26, injures 17, police say

Pope Francis passed away on Monday at the age of 88, following a stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure. The Vatican also reported he had acute respiratory failure from double pneumonia, as well as type 2 diabetes and hypertension. Public viewing will begin Wednesday at St. Peter’s Basilica, where he made his final public appearance on Easter Sunday. He will be … Continue reading Pope Francis’s body to lie in state until funeral on Saturday, Vatican says

Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope known for his humility, advocacy for the poor, and progressive stance on issues like capitalism and climate change, died Monday at age 88. Bells tolled around the world as tributes poured in. Suffering from chronic lung issues, he had been hospitalized with double pneumonia in February and made his final appearance on Easter Sunday. Elected in 2013, Francis … Continue reading Pope Francis dies at 88

Pope Francis made a surprise appearance on Easter Sunday, riding through St. Peter’s Square in the popemobile and blessing thousands as he continues recovering from a near-fatal case of double pneumonia. The 88-year-old pope, recently discharged from a five-week hospital stay, appeared energized, greeting pilgrims and blessing babies. Though he delegated Easter Mass to Cardinal Angelo Comastri, Francis gave the traditional apostolic blessing from the … Continue reading Pope Francis emerges on Easter, delights crowd with popemobile tour

U.S. airstrikes in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, killed 12 people and wounded 30, according to Houthi rebels, who said a market in the Farwa neighborhood was hit. The strikes are part of an intensified U.S. campaign targeting the Houthis over their attacks on Red Sea shipping and Israel. Recent airstrikes also hit other Yemeni regions and followed earlier attacks that killed at least 74 people. The … Continue reading US airstrikes killed 12 people in Yemen’s capital, the Houthi rebels say