Bull shark bites off both hands of woman on beach ‘after she tried to take its picture’

A 55-year-old Canadian woman lost both her hands in a shark attack while vacationing in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The woman, in hip-deep water with her husband, was bitten by a seven-foot bull shark that first bumped her legs, then bit her thigh and severed both hands when she tried to protect herself. Her husband managed to fight off the shark, allowing her to … Continue reading Bull shark bites off both hands of woman on beach ‘after she tried to take its picture’

Hamas says it will release bodies of four hostages, including Bibas children

Hamas announced it will release the bodies of four Israeli hostages, including the Bibas children, Kfir and Ariel, on Thursday, and six living hostages on Saturday, instead of the expected three. The Israeli government confirmed an agreement had been reached in Cairo, also noting four additional slain hostages would be handed over next week. Israel is expected to release Palestinian prisoners in exchange. The announcement … Continue reading Hamas says it will release bodies of four hostages, including Bibas children

Vatican cancels more Holy Year events as pope remains hospitalized

Pope Francis, 88, remains hospitalized with a complex respiratory infection, prompting the Vatican to cancel his audiences through the weekend. His illness raises concerns about the upcoming Holy Year events, expected to draw 30 million pilgrims. The pope, who has a history of lung issues, was admitted after worsening bronchitis and is receiving treatment at Rome’s Gemelli hospital. While he continues working from the hospital, … Continue reading Vatican cancels more Holy Year events as pope remains hospitalized

CIA Expands Secret Drone Flights Over Mexico

The U.S. has expanded secret CIA drone flights over Mexico to locate fentanyl labs as part of the Trump administration’s intensified campaign against drug cartels. The program, which began under Biden, does not authorize airstrikes, but intelligence is shared with Mexican officials. Meanwhile, the U.S. military has increased surveillance along the border, deploying analysts and reconnaissance aircraft. Mexico has expressed concerns over sovereignty but continues … Continue reading CIA Expands Secret Drone Flights Over Mexico

Russia and the US agree to work towards improving ties and ending the Ukraine war

The U.S. and Russia have agreed to work toward ending the war in Ukraine and improving diplomatic and economic ties, signaling a major shift in U.S. policy under President Trump. After talks between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, both sides outlined three goals: restoring embassy staffing, creating a team to support Ukraine peace talks, and exploring closer cooperation. … Continue reading Russia and the US agree to work towards improving ties and ending the Ukraine war

Ukraine’s US veterans rail against peace plan

US military volunteers fighting for Ukraine have condemned Donald Trump over his reported peace talks with Vladimir Putin, rejecting his concessions on NATO and occupied Ukrainian territory. Many former US troops, who have fought alongside Ukraine since 2022, view Trump’s stance as undermining their sacrifices. Some, like Ryan O’Leary and Charles Carter, expressed outrage in harsh terms, accusing Trump of siding with Putin. Alex Drueke, … Continue reading Ukraine’s US veterans rail against peace plan

Delta jet flips upside down on a snowy Toronto runway

A Delta Air Lines jet flipped upside down while landing at Toronto’s Pearson Airport amid strong winds and blowing snow, but all 80 people on board survived with only minor injuries. The flight from Minneapolis landed at 2:15 p.m., and while communications on approach were normal, the cause of the crash remains unclear. Video showed the Mitsubishi CRJ-900LR overturned with its fuselage intact as emergency … Continue reading Delta jet flips upside down on a snowy Toronto runway

Man who stabbed five people in Austria is suspected Islamist, minister says

A Syrian asylum seeker suspected of a deadly stabbing in Villach, Austria, is believed to be an Islamic State follower radicalized online. The attack killed a 14-year-old boy and injured five others. Authorities found an IS flag in the suspect’s home and said he had sworn allegiance to the group. The incident follows a foiled IS-linked attack in Vienna and a deadly car attack in … Continue reading Man who stabbed five people in Austria is suspected Islamist, minister says

Rwanda-backed rebels take second major city in Congo

Rwanda-backed M23 rebels seized the administrative office in Bukavu, Congo’s second-largest city, after government forces fled. Residents were seen cheering the rebels, though parts of the city remained deserted. The rebels, supported by 4,000 Rwandan troops, are expanding beyond past conflicts, now seeking political power. Congo’s President Tshisekedi claimed Bukavu remains under government control, despite no signs of Congolese forces. The fighting, linked to ethnic … Continue reading Rwanda-backed rebels take second major city in Congo

Netanyahu vows to “open the gates of hell” if all hostages in Gaza not returned

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu warned Hamas to release all hostages or face severe retaliation, vowing to eliminate its military and political rule. Speaking with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, he praised Trump’s vision for Gaza’s future. Rubio, on a regional tour, reiterated U.S. support for Israel but did not meet Palestinian leaders. Trump backed Netanyahu, lifting a Biden-era block on heavy bomb deliveries to … Continue reading Netanyahu vows to “open the gates of hell” if all hostages in Gaza not returned

Starmer ready to put British troops on the ground in Ukraine if peace deal reached

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has stated he is prepared to send British troops to Ukraine as part of a peacekeeping deal, acknowledging the risks if Russia attacks again. This marks the first time he has openly considered such a move. His comments come ahead of emergency talks with European leaders on fears of reduced US defense commitments. The UK has pledged £3bn annually to … Continue reading Starmer ready to put British troops on the ground in Ukraine if peace deal reached

Australia bans foreigners from buying existing homes

Australia will impose a two-year ban on foreign purchases of existing homes starting April 1 to boost housing supply. The policy, expected to free up 1,800 properties annually, excludes new builds but prohibits purchases by foreign investors, including companies and temporary residents. It also enforces land development deadlines to prevent land banking. Exceptions apply to investments that increase housing supply and the Pacific Australia Labour … Continue reading Australia bans foreigners from buying existing homes

British couple held in Iran on ‘security’ grounds named

British couple Craig and Lindsay Foreman have been detained in Iran while on a motorbike trip. They were arrested in Kerman over security allegations, with Iranian state media labeling them “national security” suspects. Their family expressed deep concern and is working with UK authorities for their release. The couple had been documenting their travels and were set to enter Pakistan next, The Guardian has reported. … Continue reading British couple held in Iran on ‘security’ grounds named

Israel and Hamas complete their latest exchange

Israel and Hamas completed their sixth hostage-prisoner exchange under the fragile Gaza ceasefire, with three Israeli hostages and 369 Palestinian prisoners released. The hostages appeared in better condition than those freed earlier. One learned of his father’s death, while another met his newborn daughter. Despite tensions threatening the truce, Hamas proceeded after Egypt and Qatar pledged to ensure humanitarian aid to Gaza. Former U.S. President … Continue reading Israel and Hamas complete their latest exchange

Pope Francis admitted to hospital for bronchitis treatment, cancels events

Pope Francis, 88, has been hospitalized for bronchitis treatment and canceled all events for the next three days, the Vatican announced. Doctors found a respiratory infection and a slight fever. His canceled events include a Jubilee Audience, Holy Mass, and a meeting with artists. The Pope has faced recurring health issues, including influenza, past surgeries, and recent falls, NBC News has reported. Despite his ailments, … Continue reading Pope Francis admitted to hospital for bronchitis treatment, cancels events

Whale swallows kayaker in terrifying footage

A father-son kayaking trip off Chile’s coast turned dramatic when a humpback whale briefly scooped 24-year-old Adrián Simancas into its mouth. The incident, caught on camera by his father, Dell, happened in the Strait of Magellan. Simancas described feeling a strong force, a slimy texture, and being briefly pulled underwater before resurfacing safely. Though initially terrified, he believes the whale acted out of curiosity, NPR … Continue reading Whale swallows kayaker in terrifying footage

Zelenksy calls for ‘Army of Europe’ to take on Russia without US

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for the creation of a European army to counter Russia, arguing that Europe must take control of its own security. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, he criticized Vladimir Putin and emphasized that Ukraine’s battle-hardened military is essential for Europe’s defense. Zelensky’s proposal excludes U.S. involvement, as concerns grow over Washington’s stance. Meanwhile, Donald Trump has urged Ukraine to … Continue reading Zelenksy calls for ‘Army of Europe’ to take on Russia without US

50 dead after a bus plunged into a gorge in Guatemala

At least 55 people died after a bus plunged 115 feet into a gorge near Guatemala’s capital on Monday. A multi-vehicle crash sent the bus off the road, landing upside down in a sewage-polluted stream. Children were among the victims, and several others were seriously injured, NPR has reported. President Bernardo Arévalo declared a national day of mourning. Written by B.C. Begley Continue reading 50 dead after a bus plunged into a gorge in Guatemala

Rwanda-backed M23 fighters resume attacks in DR Congo after two-day pause

M23 rebels have resumed attacks in eastern DRC after a brief lull, striking near Ihusi, close to a key military airport. Bukavu is bracing for an offensive, with schools closed and residents fleeing. The conflict, which has displaced over 500,000 this year, worsens as aid shortages follow a U.S. funding pause. The UN estimates nearly 3,000 deaths from recent clashes, while regional leaders call for … Continue reading Rwanda-backed M23 fighters resume attacks in DR Congo after two-day pause

Several thousand earthquakes detected near Greece’s island of Santorini

A swarm of over 12,000 small earthquakes has struck near Greece’s Santorini island since late January, raising concerns about a potential larger quake. Authorities have declared a state of emergency, deploying rescue crews and putting the coast guard and navy on standby. Thousands have left the island, schools are closed, and extra medical teams have been sent. Scientists are monitoring the situation closely but remain … Continue reading Several thousand earthquakes detected near Greece’s island of Santorini

Israeli cabinet backs Trump’s demand for Hamas to release all hostages by Saturday deadline

Israel’s security cabinet fully supports President Donald Trump’s ultimatum that Hamas release all hostages by noon on Saturday or face renewed military action. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that if Hamas fails to comply, the ceasefire will end, and the IDF will resume intense combat. Trump emphasized that hostages must be released “all at once” and reiterated that Israel could override the ceasefire. Hamas claims … Continue reading Israeli cabinet backs Trump’s demand for Hamas to release all hostages by Saturday deadline

Marc Fogel, American teacher held in Russia for 3 years, back in U.S. after release

Marc Fogel, a 63-year-old American teacher held in Russia for 3½ years over medical cannabis possession, returned to the U.S. on Tuesday. Fogel, sentenced to 14 years, was released following negotiations led by President Donald Trump. He landed in Maryland and met Trump at the White House, expressing gratitude. Officials suggested his release could aid Trump’s efforts for a Ukraine ceasefire. It remains unclear what … Continue reading Marc Fogel, American teacher held in Russia for 3 years, back in U.S. after release

Ukraine Prepared To Offer Territory Swap With Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he would offer to swap territory with Russia in potential peace talks but stressed that Europe alone cannot support Kyiv’s war effort without U.S. backing. Zelensky will meet U.S. Vice President JD Vance at the Munich Security Conference as Washington pushes for an end to the nearly three-year war. Trump, eager for a deal, is sending envoy Keith Kellogg to … Continue reading Ukraine Prepared To Offer Territory Swap With Russia

Baltic states unplug from Russia and join EU power grid

Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have officially disconnected from Russia’s electricity grid and joined the EU network, marking the end of their energy dependence on Moscow. The move, planned since 2007, was accelerated after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen called it a historic moment of “freedom from threats.” NATO has launched the Baltic Sentry patrol amid concerns over Russian sabotage … Continue reading Baltic states unplug from Russia and join EU power grid

Israel completes withdrawal from key road dividing Gaza as part of ceasefire deal

Israel has completed its withdrawal from the Netzarim Corridor in Gaza as part of a ceasefire agreement with Hamas. Hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians are returning north despite ongoing destruction. The ceasefire has led to the release of 16 Israeli hostages and 183 Palestinian prisoners, with negotiations for further phases ongoing. Meanwhile, Israeli forces killed three Palestinians near the Gaza border and a pregnant … Continue reading Israel completes withdrawal from key road dividing Gaza as part of ceasefire deal