President Trump ordered airstrikes on Houthi-held areas in Yemen, vowing “overwhelming lethal force” until the Iran-backed rebels stop attacking shipping routes. The strikes, targeting Houthi leaders and military sites, reportedly killed 31 people. The Houthis vowed retaliation, denying they threaten international shipping. The U.S. operation, conducted without allies, follows past strikes by the Biden administration in response to Houthi attacks. Trump warned Iran against supporting … Continue reading Trump orders strikes on Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen and issues new warning

Shakespeare’s Birthplace Trust is “decolonising” its collection to create a more inclusive museum experience, following concerns that Shakespeare has been used to promote “white supremacy.” The initiative, based on a 2022 research project, examines colonial influences and challenges the idea of Shakespeare as a universal genius. Funded by the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, the trust is expanding its international focus, hosting events on global writers and … Continue reading Shakespeare’s birthplace to be decolonized after ‘white supremacy’ fears

Pope Francis has approved a new three-year process for Church reforms, signaling his intent to continue leading despite battling double pneumonia. The initiative extends the Synod of Bishops, focusing on issues like women’s roles and LGBTQ inclusion, with global consultations leading to a 2028 summit. Francis approved the plan from his hospital bed, countering speculation about his resignation. Critics argue his reforms dilute Church teachings, … Continue reading Pope Francis, showing plans to stay on, starts new Catholic reform process

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has announced a phased withdrawal of its troops from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), ending its SAMIDRC mission. The decision follows months of conflict in eastern DRC, where M23 rebels have seized key cities, causing at least 7,000 deaths. South Africa, the largest troop contributor, lost 14 soldiers, while Malawi also suffered casualties, Al-Jazeera has reported. The … Continue reading Southern Africa regional bloc to withdraw troops from DRC amid M23 advance

British authorities are investigating a cargo ship crash off the English coast involving the Solong and the US-flagged tanker Stena Immaculate, which was carrying jet fuel for the US military. The Russian captain of the Solong has been arrested for gross negligence manslaughter, while a missing crew member is presumed dead. Experts are puzzled by how the crash occurred despite modern navigation systems. Environmental groups … Continue reading Cargo ship captain arrested in North Sea collision with US-flagged tanker is Russian national

Armenia and Azerbaijan have agreed to a peace deal, aiming to end nearly 40 years of conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh. Armenia accepted Azerbaijan’s final proposals, and both nations confirmed the draft agreement is ready for signing. However, Azerbaijan demands Armenia amend its constitution to remove territorial claims, a point Armenia disputes. The deal follows decades of war, with Azerbaijan regaining control of Nagorno-Karabakh in 2023, leading … Continue reading Armenia and Azerbaijan agree to peace treaty after nearly four decades of war

A citizen search group in Jalisco, Mexico, uncovered evidence of mass disappearances at a remote ranch, revealing shoes, clothing, and burned bone fragments—items missed by state investigators months earlier. The ranch, allegedly a cartel training and execution site, was previously raided in September, but authorities failed to find key evidence. Their inaction sparked outrage, pushing the federal government to take over the case. Families are … Continue reading Mexicans searching for missing relatives uncover possible mass killing site in Jalisco state

An Israeli airstrike hit an apartment in Damascus’ upscale Dumar neighborhood, targeting what Israel claimed was a Palestinian Islamic Jihad command center. The apartment had reportedly been vacant for years, and a Syrian housekeeper next door was seriously injured. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu defended the strike, citing national security, while a Palestinian Islamic Jihad spokesperson denied the location was a militant base, NPR has reported. … Continue reading Israel targets what it says was an Islamic Jihad command center in Damascus

Ugandan judge Lydia Mugambe, a U.N. tribunal member, was convicted of trafficking a young woman to the U.K. and forcing her into unpaid labor. A jury found her guilty of facilitating illegal immigration, forced labor, and witness intimidation. Prosecutors said Mugambe conspired with Ugandan diplomat John Leonard Mugerwa to bring the victim to the U.K. under false pretenses in exchange for judicial favors. Mugambe, who … Continue reading UN Judge Found Guilty of Slavery

Heavy rainfall caused the mineral-rich shores of Silver and Red Beach on Iran’s Hormuz Island to flood with blood-red water, startling tourists. The phenomenon, caused by high iron oxide in the volcanic soil, occurs year-round and is a major attraction. The soil, known as “gelack,” is used in industry and local cuisine, the U.S. Sun has reported. Similar natural wonders exist worldwide, including Spain’s pink … Continue reading ‘Blood rain’ turns beach RED in Biblical scenes

Russian special forces reportedly used a gas pipeline to infiltrate Ukrainian positions in the Kursk region, attacking from behind near the town of Sudzha. This follows Ukraine’s earlier cross-border incursion into Kursk in August, where they captured significant territory, including Sudzha. While Ukrainian forces initially gained ground, they are now facing intense assaults from Russian troops, including some from North Korea, risking encirclement, the Associated … Continue reading Russian forces walked inside a gas pipeline to strike Ukrainian troops from the rear in Kursk

Recent violence in Syria’s coastal region has led to the deaths of entire families, including women and children, with over 1,200 civilians reported killed, primarily Alawites. The violence escalated after an ambush on security forces by Assad loyalists, prompting revenge killings by gunmen supporting the Sunni Islamist-led government. The UN has verified 111 civilian deaths and condemned sectarian-based killings. Reports suggest that armed groups targeted … Continue reading Whole families dead in recent Syria violence, says UN

South Sudan’s government denied reports that Uganda had deployed special forces to Juba, despite Uganda’s military chief, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, claiming the soldiers were sent to help secure the city amid rising tensions between President Kiir and his deputy, Riek Machar. Concern over South Sudan’s security grew after arrests of Machar’s allies and clashes in Upper Nile state, the BBC has reported. The U.S. ordered … Continue reading South Sudan denies Ugandan troops have deployed to its capital

The Trump administration lifted its suspension of military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine, following talks in Saudi Arabia. Kyiv indicated openness to a 30-day ceasefire with Russia, pending Moscow’s agreement. This decision marks a shift from just a week ago, when the U.S. suspended aid in an attempt to pressure Ukrainian President Zelenskyy into peace talks, after a tense White House meeting between Zelenskyy … Continue reading US resumes military aid and intelligence sharing as Ukraine says it is open to a 30-day ceasefire

Armed militants from the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) attacked the Jaffar Express Train in Pakistan’s Balochistan region, taking several passengers hostage. The attack occurred after the group bombed the track in the remote Sibi district. The BLA claimed control of the train, the BBC has reported. As of Wednesday morning, 16 militants were killed, and 104 passengers were rescued. Written by B.C. Begley Continue reading More than 100 passengers rescued from Pakistan train attack

Russia is expelling a British diplomat and the spouse of another, accusing them of espionage and subversive activities. The UK dismissed the claims as baseless, calling it part of an ongoing tit-for-tat escalation. This follows a series of diplomatic expulsions between the two nations, with seven British diplomats expelled from Russia in the past year, the BBC has reported. Relations remain at a post-Cold War … Continue reading Russia expels two British diplomats for spying

Australian police revealed that an explosives-filled trailer, initially described as an antisemitic terrorist plot, was actually a staged hoax by criminals seeking personal gain. The trailer, discovered in January near Sydney, was never meant to detonate and was part of a scheme to manipulate law enforcement. Authorities arrested 14 more suspects, none motivated by antisemitism, though antisemitic crimes have surged in Australia since the Israel-Gaza … Continue reading Australia police say seemingly antisemitic terrorism incidents were really “criminal con job” to sow chaos

Severe flooding in Bahía Blanca, Argentina, has killed at least 16 people, with dozens still missing after heavy rains began Friday. Over 1,450 people, including hospital patients, have been evacuated. The city received 12 inches of rain, far exceeding its monthly average of 5 inches, the Associated Press has reported. No further rain is expected for the next 72 hours. Written by B.C. Begley Continue reading Officials say heavy rains in Argentina kill at least 16

Pro-Palestinian activists vandalized Trump’s Turnberry golf course in Scotland on Saturday, protesting U.S. policies in Gaza. They spray-painted “Gaza is not 4 sale” in large white letters, defaced the hotel, and damaged key greens. The group Palestine Action claimed responsibility, condemning Trump’s AI-generated video promoting a luxury “Trump Gaza” resort, The Hill has reported. The activists called the protest a stand against U.S.-Israeli actions in Gaza. Written by B.C. … Continue reading Pro-Palestinian activists vandalize Trump golf course in Scotland

A U.S. fuel tanker, MV Stena Immaculate, collided with the Portugal-registered cargo ship Solong in the North Sea off the British coast near Hull on Monday, causing a fire and fuel spill. The Stena Immaculate, carrying U.S. Navy jet fuel, suffered a ruptured cargo tank, leading to multiple explosions. All crew members aboard the tanker evacuated safely, but one crew member from the Solong is missing. Emergency teams, … Continue reading Tanker and cargo vessel in fiery collision off England, triggering explosions

The U.S. State Department ordered nonemergency personnel to leave South Sudan’s capital as tensions rise due to northern fighting. Clashes last week led to the arrests of key officials linked to Vice President Riek Machar, sparking concerns over the country’s fragile peace deal. A U.N. helicopter evacuation was attacked, prompting warnings from the U.N. that the escalating violence threatens to derail peace efforts, the Associated … Continue reading US orders nonemergency government staff to leave South Sudan as tension grows over fighting

Ukraine’s hold on Russia’s Kursk region is weakening as Russian forces, supported by North Korean troops, intensify attacks. Moscow has reclaimed several settlements and is targeting Sudzha to cut off Ukrainian supply routes. Kyiv initially invaded Kursk in August to pressure Russia and gain leverage, but with U.S. support waning, its position has become precarious. Military bloggers warn Ukraine may soon withdraw, as poor road … Continue reading Russia is advancing in Kursk, threatening Ukraine’s sole territorial gain

Pope Francis, 88, remains hospitalized in Rome with a guarded prognosis after complications from bronchitis, including pneumonia and respiratory crises. Despite his illness, he released a Sunday prayer thanking healthcare workers for their care and urging compassion for those in hardship. The Vatican reports his condition is stable with no fever, though his recovery remains uncertain, NPR has reported. Francis also praised volunteers, calling their … Continue reading Pope Francis pens prayer thanking hospital staff, as he shows ‘mild improvement’

Syria has descended into chaos, with over 1,000 killed in violent clashes between remnants of Bashar al-Assad’s forces and the new Islamist government, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Assad loyalists launched a surprise ambush, triggering days of bloodshed, including mass executions and revenge killings. Witnesses report horrifying atrocities, including women paraded naked before being shot and a boy forced to kill his family. The violence, centered … Continue reading Syria descends into 48 hours of bloody carnage

The U.S. has informed allies it will not participate in future military exercises in Europe beyond those already scheduled, marking another shift in Donald Trump’s approach to NATO. The move forces NATO countries to plan exercises without U.S. military involvement. Trump has repeatedly criticized NATO members for not meeting the 2% GDP defense spending target and warned that the U.S. may not defend those who … Continue reading USA ‘to cease all future military exercises in Europe’