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, 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

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

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

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

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

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

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, 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

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

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 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

Sudan’s military plans to form a technocratic wartime government after recapturing Khartoum, military sources told Reuters. The army has regained ground against the RSF, which has retreated amid intensified air and ground attacks. Army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan ruled out a Ramadan ceasefire unless the RSF halts its campaign in Darfur. The war, which began in April 2023, has displaced over 12 million people and … Continue reading Sudan to form new government after regaining Khartoum 

A bartender in Vietnam was arrested for making toxic liquor that killed a British and South African couple in January. The couple was found dead in a resort villa in Hoi An with no signs of violence. Police say bartender Le Tan Gia used 70% medical alcohol to make limoncello, leading to fatal methanol poisoning, CBS News has reported. The case remains under investigation. Written … Continue reading Bartender in Vietnam arrested over tourist couple’s deaths linked to tainted alcohol

An 11-year-old girl was found murdered in a forest south of Paris over the weekend, sparking shock and a major investigation. She had been missing since leaving school Friday and was discovered stabbed multiple times in the Essonne region. A couple was briefly detained but later released, Barron’s has reported. Authorities deployed 120 officers to search for clues, while Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau expressed national … Continue reading Shock In France Over Murder Of Schoolgirl Aged 11

Hamas released three Israeli hostages as part of a ceasefire deal, while Israel freed 183 Palestinian prisoners. The hostages, Eli Sharabi, Ohad Ben Ami, and Or Levy, were handed to the Red Cross before reuniting with their families. Concerns arose over their frail condition, with Israeli leaders condemning Hamas’ treatment. Palestinian prisoners were welcomed with celebrations in Ramallah, with reports that many required medical care. … Continue reading Hostages freed and prisoners released in latest Israeli ceasefire exchange

Sudan’s military claims it has regained nearly all of Khartoum North in its push to reclaim the capital from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Recent advances include recapturing Kafouri, a key RSF base, and securing most of Gezira State. Amnesty International warns of potential reprisals, citing reports of targeted killings and detentions. The RSF has allegedly detained medical workers and volunteers, Al-Jazeera has reported. The … Continue reading Sudan army claims major advances against RSF in greater Khartoum

At least 30 people are missing after a landslide struck Jinping village in Sichuan, China, burying 10 houses. Two people have been rescued, and 200 residents evacuated. President Xi Jinping has ordered an “all-out” rescue effort, with hundreds of emergency workers searching for survivors. Premier Li Qiang has called for an investigation into geological risks. Villagers reported falling rocks in the area for months. The … Continue reading At least 30 missing after China landslide

A river in a suburb of Buenos Aires, Argentina, has turned red, alarming residents. Footage and images of the Sarandí watercourse, which flows into the Río de la Plata estuary, show the sudden change in color. Local media reports indicate this is not the first time the river has changed color, raising concerns about contamination. A lifelong resident told La Nación that the river has previously turned … Continue reading River in Buenos Aires turns blood red, alarming residents

Ecuadorian police are increasingly discovering Santa Muerte altars in drug dens, as local gangs adopt the Mexican “death saint” for protection. In Duran, offerings and even alleged human sacrifices have been made to the saint, a practice linked to Mexican cartel influence. Authorities estimate six out of ten raids in 2024 uncovered such shrines, CBS News has reported. President Daniel Noboa has declared a war … Continue reading Drug gangs in Ecuador turn to “death saint” for protection and alleged human sacrifices

During a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Donald Trump announced plans for the U.S. to take over, level, and rebuild the Gaza Strip, aiming to bring stability and economic development. He suggested long-term U.S. ownership, removing unexploded weapons and creating jobs and housing. Netanyahu supported Trump’s vision, emphasizing the need to prevent future threats from Gaza, Fox News has reported. Their … Continue reading Trump says US will ‘take over’ Gaza Strip, rebuild it to stabilize Middle East