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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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 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