Former MMA fighter Conor McGregor has withdrawn from Ireland’s presidential race, criticizing nomination rules as a “straitjacket” that blocked a true democratic contest. McGregor, who had vowed to curb immigration and promote “Irish culture,” struggled to secure the required endorsements from MPs or local authorities and faced minimal public support, with polls showing just 7%. He claimed his campaign highlighted flaws in the system and … Continue reading Conor McGregor pulls out of Ireland’s presidential race

Nepal’s first female prime minister, Sushila Karki, took office Sunday, calling for calm and cooperation to rebuild the country after violent protests left at least 72 dead and caused widespread destruction. The demonstrations, sparked by a social media ban and anger over corruption and inequality, targeted government buildings, officials’ homes, and businesses, leading to the resignation of former Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli. Karki pledged … Continue reading After deadly protests, Nepal’s new prime minister urges calm

Around 13.7 million voters in Germany’s North Rhine-Westphalia went to the polls, delivering losses for the center-left SPD and the Greens, while the CDU held steady and the AfD made significant gains. Preliminary results showed the CDU with 33.3%, SPD 22.1%, AfD 14.5%, and Greens 13.5%, marking a major setback for the environmentalists and a surge for the AfD compared to five years ago. The … Continue reading Germany state elections: AfD makes gains, Greens fall behind

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the use of the national flag as a symbol of violence and division following “Unite the Kingdom” march in central London attended by over 150,000 people, alongside a 5,000-strong counter-protest. Starmer emphasized that the flag represents the country’s diversity and pledged that intimidation or assaults based on background or skin color would not be tolerated. Police reported 26 … Continue reading We will never surrender our flag, Sir Keir Starmer says

A bipartisan group of U.S. senators introduced legislation to designate Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism over the abduction of nearly 20,000 Ukrainian children during its invasion. The bill aims to punish Moscow economically and pressure it to return the children. Senators Lindsey Graham, Richard Blumenthal, Katie Britt, and Amy Klobuchar criticized Russia’s actions as crimes against humanity and emphasized that returning the children … Continue reading Senate bill would designate Russia a state sponsor of terrorism

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama announced his new cabinet will include an AI “minister” named Diella, tasked with managing public funding projects and ensuring corruption-free public tenders. Diella, a virtual assistant on the e-Albania platform, was launched earlier this year and appears in traditional Albanian dress. Rama’s Socialist Party, which won a fourth consecutive term, aims to achieve EU membership by 2027, though opposition parties … Continue reading Albania’s leader says his new Cabinet includes an AI ‘minister’ to fight corruption

South Sudan’s First Vice-President Riek Machar has been charged with murder, treason, and crimes against humanity over a March militia attack that killed 250 soldiers and a general. Seven of his allies, including Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and Army Deputy Chief Lt Gen Gabriel Duop Lam, have also been charged and suspended. Machar’s spokesperson called the charges a “political witch-hunt,” while tanks block roads … Continue reading South Sudan vice-president charged with murder and treason

Belarus has pardoned 52 prisoners and released them into Lithuania, with both Belarus and Lithuania thanking US President Donald Trump for his role. The release is part of a broader warming of relations between Belarus and Washington, prompting the US to ease some sanctions on Belarus’ state airline, Belavia. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda celebrated the release on social media, emphasizing that “No man left behind!” … Continue reading Belarus pardons scores of prisoners ‘at the request’ of Trump, Lukashenko says

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years and three months in prison for plotting a coup to stay in power after losing the 2022 election. The Supreme Court ruling, issued by a five-justice panel, made Bolsonaro the first former president in Brazil’s history convicted of attacking democracy, drawing disapproval from the Trump administration. Justice Carmen Lucia highlighted that Bolsonaro acted “with the … Continue reading Brazil’s Bolsonaro sentenced to 27 years after landmark coup plot conviction