Six Israeli hostages freed ahead of Palestinian prisoner release

Hamas released six more hostages in Gaza as part of a ceasefire deal, including four kidnapped during the October 7 attack on Israel and two Israeli men held since 2014 and 2015. In exchange, 602 Palestinian prisoners will be freed later Saturday, including 50 serving life sentences. This marks the final hostage release in the deal’s first phase, with negotiations ongoing for the next stage … Continue reading Six Israeli hostages freed ahead of Palestinian prisoner release

Berlin Stabbing Extends Chain of Attacks Ahead of German Election

A 19-year-old Syrian refugee stabbed a Spanish tourist at Berlin’s Holocaust Memorial, intending “to kill Jews,” German authorities said. The victim, wounded in the throat, survived after emergency surgery. The suspect, arrested hours later with bloodstained clothes, had planned the attack for weeks. The incident adds to a series of violent attacks by refugees ahead of Sunday’s key election, where immigration has become a major … Continue reading Berlin Stabbing Extends Chain of Attacks Ahead of German Election

NATO holds large-scale combat drills as the US stance on Europe shifts under Trump

NATO continues its largest combat drills of 2025 in Romania amid uncertainty over U.S. commitments under President Trump. The Steadfast Dart 2025 exercises involve 10,000 troops from nine nations, testing NATO’s rapid deployment abilities near Ukraine. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s calls for Europe to take the lead on security have raised concerns about a reduced American military presence. Analysts warn this could weaken NATO’s eastern flank … Continue reading NATO holds large-scale combat drills as the US stance on Europe shifts under Trump

US launches unarmed nuclear missile to show  ‘readiness’ amid fears of WWIII

The U.S. Air Force launched a Minuteman III ICBM early Wednesday from Vandenberg Space Force Base to demonstrate nuclear deterrence capabilities. The unarmed missile traveled 4,200 miles to a Pacific test range at 15,000 mph. The Air Force emphasized the launch was a routine test, not a response to global events. The Minuteman III, capable of carrying nuclear warheads, will be replaced by the LGM-35A … Continue reading US launches unarmed nuclear missile to show  ‘readiness’ amid fears of WWIII

Bus crash in Bolivia kills at least 30 people

More than 30 people were killed in a bus crash on a mountain road in southwestern Bolivia, with 14 others injured, including four children. The bus plunged nearly 800 meters into a ravine between the cities of Potosí and Oruro. Authorities believe speeding may have caused the crash, as the driver reportedly lost control. This is the deadliest road accident in Bolivia this year, the … Continue reading Bus crash in Bolivia kills at least 30 people

Russia launches massive drone strike on Ukraine as it begins talks with US

Russia launched a massive drone attack on Ukraine overnight, sending 176 drones across six directions. Ukraine’s air force downed 103 drones, with another 67 lost due to interference. The strike caused damage in several regions, including a high-rise in Kirovohrad and a large fire in Kyiv. The attack occurred as Russian negotiators prepared for peace talks with U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia. Ukraine, not invited … Continue reading Russia launches massive drone strike on Ukraine as it begins talks with US

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