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

German police are searching for the suspect or suspects behind the fatal shooting of a 59-year-old man and his 28-year-old son-in-law, both Turkish nationals, in Bad Nauheim on Saturday. The victims had no prior police records, and a personal motive is suspected. Special forces and helicopters joined the manhunt, though two initial arrests were later dismissed. Authorities say there is no public danger but advised … Continue reading Germany: Police launch manhunt over Bad Nauheim killing

An Israeli military investigation found “professional failures” led to the March killing of 15 paramedics and first responders in Gaza, most of whom were with the Palestine Red Crescent Society. The IDF cited a series of mistakes and breaches of orders but maintained there were no ethical violations. The deputy commander who ordered and took part in the attack was dismissed, while another officer was … Continue reading ‘Professional failures’ led to killing of Palestinian medics in Gaza, says Israeli military

Just hours after Moscow’s 30-hour “Easter truce” ended, Ukraine reported Russian drone and rocket attacks across several regions, including Kyiv, Mykolaiv, and Kherson. Mayor Oleksandr Senkevych confirmed explosions in Mykolaiv, but casualties are unknown. Ukraine said Russia launched over 1,800 shelling incidents during the truce, which President Zelensky dismissed as a PR stunt. Both sides accused each other of violating the ceasefire, with Russia claiming … Continue reading Ukraine reports many Russian drone attacks after truce ends

Russia has warned Germany that supplying Taurus long-range missiles to Ukraine would be seen as direct German involvement in the war. The missiles could strike deep into Russian territory, targeting key infrastructure. Germany’s likely next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, is open to the idea if coordinated with EU partners, though his potential coalition partner, the SPD, strongly opposes it to avoid escalation. The SPD and current … Continue reading Russia warns Germany against giving Ukraine Taurus missiles

Hamas has rejected Israel’s latest ceasefire offer, demanding a comprehensive agreement that includes a permanent end to the war, full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and no disarmament. The Israeli proposal had called for a 45-day truce, phased hostage exchanges, and Gaza’s disarmament, but did not guarantee an end to the conflict. In response, far-right Israeli ministers called for an escalation, with continued military operations and … Continue reading Hamas rejects ceasefire offer as far-right Israeli lawmakers call for escalation in Gaza

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff met with Ukrainian and European officials in Paris Thursday to discuss ending Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The talks were described as productive, with support for a ceasefire and lasting peace. Despite Trump’s claim a truce could be reached quickly, hopes for an Easter ceasefire appear to be fading as Russia intensifies attacks. Concerns were … Continue reading US, Ukraine and European officials hold ‘excellent exchange’ in Paris

A 49-year-old U.S. national, Akinyela Sawa Taylor, was fatally shot after attempting to hijack a Tropic Air flight in Belize with a knife on Thursday. He injured several passengers before being shot by another passenger, whom officials called a hero. The plane, carrying 14 passengers and two crew, circled the airport for over an hour before safely landing. A state of emergency was declared, and … Continue reading American fatally shot after attempting to hijack plane in Belize

A Chinese satellite company with military ties, Chang Guang Satellite Technology Co Ltd (CGSTL), is allegedly providing Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen with satellite imagery to target U.S. and international ships in the Red Sea, according to U.S. officials. Despite repeated warnings from the Trump and Biden administrations, China has not acted against the company. CGSTL, which is closely linked to the People’s Liberation Army, … Continue reading USA says Chinese firm helping Houthis target American warships

Israel announced it has completed a new security corridor, the Morag Axis, cutting off Rafah from the rest of Gaza and claiming full control of the southern city. The move aims to divide Hamas forces and expand Israeli control, with operations expected to grow across Gaza. Over 1,500 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire ended in March, bringing the total to nearly 51,000 since … Continue reading Israel takes control of Rafah, creating new ‘security corridor’ in Gaza

Algeria has ordered 12 French embassy staff to leave within 48 hours, following France’s indictment of three Algerians—one a consular official—linked to the 2024 abduction of government critic Amir Boukhors (aka Amir DZ). Boukhors, granted asylum in France, was briefly kidnapped near Paris by men posing as police. Algeria accuses him of ties to terrorism, which he denies. The expulsions have escalated tensions between the … Continue reading Algeria to expel 12 French embassy officials

Hundreds of people, especially older women, face abuse and even murder in Ghana over witchcraft accusations, Amnesty International reported, urging the government to criminalize such accusations and ritual attacks. Despite a 2023 bill banning witchcraft accusations, it has yet to be signed into law. Victims are often poor, elderly women with health issues or disabilities, and many are forced into isolated camps. Amnesty criticized the … Continue reading Witchcraft accusations putting hundreds at risk of “physical attacks or even death” in Ghana

Hundreds of refugees in Sudan have been killed in recent days by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), according to local rights groups. The RSF, accused of genocide in Darfur, escalated attacks on the Zamzam and Abu Shouk refugee camps near El Fasher, killing over 300 people, including 9 medical workers. Zamzam, home to over half a million people facing famine, has been bombarded with artillery. … Continue reading In Sudan, hundreds killed in attacks on famine-hit displacement camps

Russian missiles struck the Ukrainian city of Sumy on Palm Sunday, killing at least 34 people—including two children—and injuring 117, officials said. The twin ballistic missile strike targeted a university and a nearby street, with Ukraine accusing Russia of using cluster munitions. The attack follows a deadly strike on President Zelenskyy’s hometown days earlier. Zelenskyy called for a global response, denouncing Russia as a terrorist … Continue reading Russian missiles hit Ukrainian city of Sumy during Palm Sunday celebrations

Rescue workers in South Korea pulled a man alive from a collapsed subway construction site near Seoul after 13 hours trapped underground. He was conscious and taken to a hospital. Crews are still searching for another worker believed to be trapped, using cranes and rescue teams after a ventilation shaft collapse triggered the incident, the Associated Press has reported. Written by B.C. Begley Continue reading Worker rescued from collapsed subway construction site in South Korea

European allies have pledged €21 billion ($24 billion) in new military aid to Ukraine, calling 2025 a “critical year” in the war. Over half—€11 billion—will come from Germany, focusing on artillery, tanks, and air defense. The UK and Norway added £450 million to fund drones, radar, and repairs, part of a larger £4.5 billion British commitment. Air defenses were a key focus, with Russia launching … Continue reading Ukraine allies pledge €21bn in fresh military aid

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has approved the world’s first global tax on greenhouse gas emissions from ships, setting a minimum fee of $100 per ton above certain thresholds, expected to raise $11–$13 billion annually starting in 2027. The funds will support green shipping technology, low-emission vessels, and developing nations. While praised as a historic step, critics argue the fee is too low to drive … Continue reading Major nations agree on first-ever global carbon tax on greenhouse gases

A helicopter crashed from low altitude in South Africa on January 19, 2025, after an unsecured cardboard box containing a penguin slid onto the pilot’s controls, causing the aircraft to roll and crash. No one on board — the pilot and three passengers — was injured, and the penguin was also unharmed. The South African Civil Aviation Authority cited a failure to follow safety protocols, … Continue reading South Africa helicopter crash blamed on penguin in cardboard box that hit pilot’s controls

U.S. pastor Josh Sullivan was abducted at gunpoint by masked men while delivering a sermon at his church in Motherwell, South Africa. The kidnappers, who knew him by name, forced him into his car and later abandoned it nearby. Authorities suspect a ransom-related motive, though none has been confirmed. Sullivan, originally from Tennessee, has lived in South Africa with his wife and six children since … Continue reading U.S. pastor abducted at gunpoint while delivering sermon in S Africa

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto announced that Indonesia is ready to temporarily shelter around 1,000 Palestinian medical evacuees and orphans from Gaza. The evacuees will stay until they recover or it’s safe to return, not for permanent resettlement. Subianto directed his foreign minister to coordinate with Palestinian authorities and will discuss the plan during a Middle East tour, reaffirming Indonesia’s support for the Palestinian cause, NBC … Continue reading Indonesia offers shelter to Palestinians wounded and orphaned in Gaza