Euthanasia now responsible for 1 in 20 deaths in Canada

A Canadian government report reveals that euthanasia deaths have steadily risen since the Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) law was enacted in 2016, with over 60,000 cases to date. In 2023, euthanasia accounted for 4.7% of all deaths (15,343 cases), though the growth rate is slowing. Most recipients were elderly (median age 77) with terminal illnesses like cancer, while 4% had chronic conditions without imminent … Continue reading Euthanasia now responsible for 1 in 20 deaths in Canada

NATO secretary general warns world must prepare for war

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned that the alliance must adopt a “wartime mindset” and significantly boost defense spending to counter growing threats from Russia and China. In his first Brussels speech as NATO chief, Rutte emphasized that the current 2% GDP defense spending target is insufficient, urging members to invest “considerably more” to prepare for long-term confrontation. He criticized decades of defense cuts post-Cold … Continue reading NATO secretary general warns world must prepare for war

Haitians demand protection after gang leader massacres dozens of people to avenge son’s death

Haitian gang leader Micanor Altès, accused of killing over 100 people in Cité Soleil, continues to target residents after a violent two-day spree sparked by his son’s death. Altès allegedly blamed Vodou practitioners and elderly community members for his son’s illness. Victims, many aged 60 to 80, were stabbed or burned, with no police intervention due to gang control. Human rights groups estimate over 100 … Continue reading Haitians demand protection after gang leader massacres dozens of people to avenge son’s death

France flies out 2 Mirage fighter jets from Chad to signal beginning of military withdrawal

France began withdrawing its military forces from Chad by flying out two Mirage fighter jets stationed in the capital, N’Djamena. This follows Chad’s decision to end its defense cooperation agreement with France, a move seen as a shift in its strategic partnerships. France, which once maintained a large military presence in the region to combat Islamic extremism, has faced growing anti-French sentiment and has been … Continue reading France flies out 2 Mirage fighter jets from Chad to signal beginning of military withdrawal

Mexico federal congressman shot dead in Veracruz state

Mexican congressman Benito Aguas, a member of the ruling coalition, was assassinated in Veracruz, alongside another victim. Aguas was shot in Zongolica and later succumbed to his injuries. The killing highlights ongoing political violence in Mexico, where over half a dozen elected officials have been murdered since last year’s election. Attacks are more frequent at the municipal level, with 80% of political violence targeting local … Continue reading Mexico federal congressman shot dead in Veracruz state

Vatican to open five ‘sacred portals’ for first time in quarter of a century

Pope Francis is set to open five ‘sacred portals,’ symbolizing salvation, for the first time since 2000. The doors, bricked up inside basilicas, will be unsealed to mark the 2025 Jubilee Year, a tradition dating back to 1300. For the first time, a prison door will also be opened as a symbol of hope for prisoners. The doors will stay open for pilgrims until January … Continue reading Vatican to open five ‘sacred portals’ for first time in quarter of a century

After Ousting Assad, Syrian Rebels Rush to Impose Order in Damascus

Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria collapsed over the weekend without resistance, leading to widespread looting in Damascus until organized rebel forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), restored order. HTS quickly moved to secure the capital and appointed Mohammed al-Bashir to head a transitional government. The group pledged to maintain state institutions, protect minorities, and ensure personal freedoms while addressing Syria’s economic and social challenges. … Continue reading After Ousting Assad, Syrian Rebels Rush to Impose Order in Damascus

At least five killed after blast causes Dutch apartment building to partially collapse

At least five people died in an explosion at a three-story apartment building in The Hague, Netherlands, early Saturday, causing a partial collapse and fire. Rescue efforts shifted to recovery as hopes of finding survivors diminished, with officials warning of slim survival chances for those under the rubble. The blast affected five apartments, and 40 nearby homes were evacuated. Authorities are investigating the cause, with … Continue reading At least five killed after blast causes Dutch apartment building to partially collapse

Notre Dame hosts first Mass since reopening its doors after 2019 fire

Notre Dame Cathedral hosted its first Mass since the 2019 fire, symbolizing Paris’ resilience and the restoration of a global landmark. Archbishop Laurent Ulrich consecrated a new altar during the solemn service attended by French President Emmanuel Macron and 2,500 dignitaries. The event highlighted Notre Dame’s revival after over five years of reconstruction, showcasing gleaming limestone walls, restored stained glass, and renewed craftsmanship. The reopening … Continue reading Notre Dame hosts first Mass since reopening its doors after 2019 fire

Israeli military enters Golan Heights as Netanyahu warns off Syrian militants

Israel entered the Golan Heights’ demilitarized buffer zone to counter potential threats from Syrian insurgents after Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia amid the rebel takeover of Damascus. Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed to prevent hostile forces from establishing near Israel’s border. The IDF reportedly struck targets near Damascus, including a chemical weapons depot, to secure the region, though these strikes remain unconfirmed. U.S. forces conducted airstrikes … Continue reading Israeli military enters Golan Heights as Netanyahu warns off Syrian militants

Pentagon launches 75 strikes targeting ISIS

The U.S. launched airstrikes on over 75 ISIS targets in central Syria, employing B-52s, F-15s, and A-10s, according to CENTCOM. The strikes aimed to disrupt ISIS operations and prevent the group from regrouping. No civilian casualties have been reported. Meanwhile, Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad has fled to Russia as rebels gain ground, marking a significant shift in the country’s ongoing civil war since 2011, the … Continue reading Pentagon launches 75 strikes targeting ISIS

Syrian rebels topple Assad who flees to Russia

Syrian rebels seized Damascus unopposed, ending President Bashar al-Assad’s 13-year civil war rule and six decades of family autocracy. Assad fled to Russia, marking a pivotal Middle Eastern shift that weakens Iranian and Russian influence. Rebels, partly backed by Turkey, aim to establish a transitional government, potentially allowing millions of refugees to return home. The sudden regime collapse saw prisoners freed, jubilant crowds in Damascus, … Continue reading Syrian rebels topple Assad who flees to Russia

Russia arrests suspected members of infamous Colombia cartel, seizes $55 million of cocaine

Russia’s FSB security services arrested suspected members of Colombia’s Cali cartel attempting to smuggle 570 kilograms of cocaine into Europe. The drugs, valued at over $55 million, were transported from Peru and hidden in a vehicle before being loaded for shipment. This marks the fifth seizure of Latin American cocaine in Russia this year, part of increasing efforts to combat drug smuggling into the EU, … Continue reading Russia arrests suspected members of infamous Colombia cartel, seizes $55 million of cocaine

Melbourne synagogue set on fire in ‘deliberate’ attack, Australian PM vows ‘zero tolerance’

A Melbourne synagogue was set ablaze in a suspected arson attack, with witnesses reporting two masked individuals pouring accelerant before fleeing. The fire caused significant damage but no serious injuries. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the attack, calling for zero tolerance of antisemitism, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu linked the incident to anti-Israel sentiment, criticizing Australia’s recent policy decisions, Fox News has reported. … Continue reading Melbourne synagogue set on fire in ‘deliberate’ attack, Australian PM vows ‘zero tolerance’

A Chinese vessel has been hijacked off the Somali coast, officials say

A Chinese-owned fishing vessel with 18 crew members was hijacked off Somalia’s northeastern coast, reportedly involving the ship’s security guards and local armed men, Puntland authorities confirmed. The EU anti-piracy force, Eunavfor Atalanta, classified the incident as armed robbery at sea. The vessel, registered under Taiwan’s flag and licensed to fish in Somali waters, has been moved between coastal locations. Unverified reports claim the hijackers … Continue reading A Chinese vessel has been hijacked off the Somali coast, officials say

Syria govt loses control of key city Daraa

Syrian government forces have lost control of Daraa city, a major setback for President Bashar al-Assad, as local armed groups now control over 90% of the province, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Known as the “cradle of the revolution,” Daraa was where Syria’s 2011 uprising began. This loss follows recent rebel victories in Aleppo and Hama, with Islamist-led groups and local factions … Continue reading Syria govt loses control of key city Daraa

China and Russia plotting military stranglehold on Arctic, warns Pentagon

The Pentagon has warned of growing military cooperation between Russia and China in the Arctic, posing a potential threat to the U.S. from the north. Iris Ferguson, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, highlighted joint Russian-Chinese activities, including coastguard cooperation and a bomber patrol near Alaska. She emphasized China’s expanding Arctic presence and strategic interests, prompting the U.S. to increase military drills and bolster its Arctic … Continue reading China and Russia plotting military stranglehold on Arctic, warns Pentagon

Cuba restores power grid but planned outages to resume amid energy crisis

Cuba’s national electricity grid has been restored after a nationwide blackout, but power generation remains insufficient to meet demand. The blackout, the third in two months, was triggered by the shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras power plant, overwhelming the country’s aging, oil-fired power system. With half of its facilities offline and reduced oil imports, Cuba faces daily five-hour rolling blackouts. Recent hurricanes and fuel shortages … Continue reading Cuba restores power grid but planned outages to resume amid energy crisis

Invasive ‘murder hornets’ found in Europe for the first time

Researchers in Spain are urgently searching for the nest of southern giant hornets, a species found in Europe for the first time. Known for destroying beehives in hours, these “murder hornets” were spotted twice in Asturias province, with the first sighting in 2022. Likely introduced via cargo ships, their presence threatens native ecosystems and pollination-dependent crops. The hornets, which nest underground, are difficult to locate. … Continue reading Invasive ‘murder hornets’ found in Europe for the first time

Assad regime under major pressure as Islamist rebels seize more territory

Anti-Assad rebel forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), captured the strategic city of Hama, marking a significant turning point in Syria’s 13-year civil war. The U.S., while acknowledging the destabilizing effects, denied involvement and called for de-escalation. HTS, designated a terrorist group, has spearheaded recent advances and warned Iran-backed militias to stay out of the conflict. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are countering an … Continue reading Assad regime under major pressure as Islamist rebels seize more territory

Canada man jumps on polar bear to defend wife from attack

A man in Ontario’s far north leapt onto a polar bear to save his wife from an attack outside their home in Fort Severn First Nation. The bear lunged at the woman, who slipped, prompting her husband to intervene. He suffered serious injuries to his arms and legs but is expected to recover. A neighbor shot the bear, which later died in nearby woods, the … Continue reading Canada man jumps on polar bear to defend wife from attack

Italian police arrest nun over links to mafia

Italian police arrested 24 people, including a nun named Sister Anna Donelli, as part of a mafia investigation targeting the ‘Ndrangheta, one of Europe’s most powerful criminal groups. Sister Donelli is accused of acting as a go-between for the mafia and jailed members while volunteering at a prison. The operation, spanning northern and southern Italy, also led to the arrest of two politicians and the … Continue reading Italian police arrest nun over links to mafia

Georgian leader backs harsh crackdown as over 40 people hospitalized amid protests

In Georgia, over 40 people were hospitalized after police used tear gas and water cannons against protesters in Tbilisi, following the government’s suspension of its EU membership bid. Pro-Russia Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze defended the crackdown and claimed the move was to avoid foreign interference. The suspension came after the EU condemned Georgia’s recent elections as unfair, sparking criticism from the U.S. and EU over … Continue reading Georgian leader backs harsh crackdown as over 40 people hospitalized amid protests

Ukraine issues ultimatum on NATO membership

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha emphasized that Ukraine will accept no security guarantees other than full NATO membership, calling it the only effective deterrent against Russian aggression. In a letter to NATO counterparts, Sybiha criticized past agreements like the 1994 Budapest Memorandum as ineffective and urged correcting the “strategic mistake” of not providing Ukraine with real security guarantees. The statement comes as NATO foreign ministers … Continue reading Ukraine issues ultimatum on NATO membership

Vietnam court may commute tycoon’s death sentences if she repays $11 billion

Vietnam’s high court upheld the death sentence for real estate tycoon Truong My Lan, 67, for orchestrating the country’s largest financial fraud, involving $12.5 billion. The court ruled the sentence could be commuted to life imprisonment if she reimburses $11 billion, three-fourths of the losses. Lan, who controlled Saigon Joint Stock Commercial Bank and approved fraudulent loans, was convicted of embezzlement, bribery, and illegal bond … Continue reading Vietnam court may commute tycoon’s death sentences if she repays $11 billion