Mississippi is set to execute a man convicted of raping and killing a college student

Charles Crawford, a Mississippi man on death row for over 30 years, is scheduled to be executed Wednesday for the 1993 kidnapping, rape, and murder of 20-year-old Kristy Ray. Crawford’s prior rape conviction was used as an aggravating factor in his capital murder trial, leading to his death sentence. His lawyers are appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court, arguing his Sixth Amendment rights were violated … Continue reading Mississippi is set to execute a man convicted of raping and killing a college student

Alec Baldwin crashes car into a tree in East Hampton: Authorities

Alec Baldwin crashed his SUV into a tree in East Hampton on Monday while trying to avoid a garbage truck, but neither he nor his brother, Stephen Baldwin, were injured. The accident damaged his wife’s car, which Baldwin described as “pretty smashed up.” He explained the incident on Instagram, thanking the East Hampton Police Department for their assistance. Authorities said the crash was caused by … Continue reading Alec Baldwin crashes car into a tree in East Hampton: Authorities

Pentagon contractor charged with unlawful retention of classified information

Ashley Tellis, a Pentagon contractor and State Department adviser, was charged with removing classified documents after over a thousand marked files were found at his Virginia home. Many of the documents reportedly relate to Air Force tactics and techniques, and Tellis allegedly met multiple times with Chinese government officials in recent years. In April 2023, he dined with Chinese officials in a DC suburb, discussing … Continue reading Pentagon contractor charged with unlawful retention of classified information

Arizona attorney general threatens legal action if Johnson doesn’t seat recently elected Democrat

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes demanded that House Speaker Mike Johnson immediately swear in Democratic Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva, threatening legal action if he delays. Grijalva won a special election to succeed her late father, Raúl Grijalva, but has not yet been sworn in due to Johnson keeping the House in recess amid the government shutdown. Mayes argued that with the certificate of election transmitted, swearing … Continue reading Arizona attorney general threatens legal action if Johnson doesn’t seat recently elected Democrat

Illegal immigrants arrested after ramming Border Patrol in Chicago amid violent clash with protesters

Two Venezuelan migrants were arrested in Chicago after ramming a Border Patrol vehicle and attempting to flee, prompting a crowd to gather and clash with federal agents. The agents used tear gas to control the situation, exposing 13 Chicago police officers in the process. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker criticized the deployment of tear gas in busy neighborhoods, including near schools. During the operation, a 15-year-old … Continue reading Illegal immigrants arrested after ramming Border Patrol in Chicago amid violent clash with protesters

Florida judge halts transfer of downtown Miami land for Trump’s presidential library

A Florida judge temporarily blocked the transfer of prime Miami land for Donald Trump’s planned presidential library after an activist claimed Miami Dade College violated the state’s open government law. The lawsuit argued that the board failed to provide adequate public notice for its September vote to give the land to the state, which later approved its transfer to the Trump Foundation. The nearly 3-acre … Continue reading Florida judge halts transfer of downtown Miami land for Trump’s presidential library

Syria’s interim leader Ahmad al-Sharaa meets with Putin in Moscow

Syria’s interim leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, visited Russia for the first time, meeting President Vladimir Putin to discuss cooperation and regional developments. The visit signals Russia’s intent to maintain ties with Syria’s new leadership and secure its military bases on the Syrian coast. Despite supporting Assad for years, Moscow granted him asylum after his ouster and did not intervene against the rebel offensive. Both countries emphasized … Continue reading Syria’s interim leader Ahmad al-Sharaa meets with Putin in Moscow

Fire and explosion on oil tanker at Indonesian shipyard kills 10 and injures 21

A fire and explosion on a crude palm oil tanker at a shipyard on Indonesia’s Batam Island killed at least 10 people and injured 21 others on Wednesday. The blaze erupted in the ship’s gas tank while repair workers were still on board, followed by a powerful explosion that caused panic. Four of the injured are in critical condition, and relatives gathered at hospitals seeking … Continue reading Fire and explosion on oil tanker at Indonesian shipyard kills 10 and injures 21

At least 20 dead in bus fire on highway in India after jammed door traps many passengers

At least 20 people were killed when a bus caught fire on a highway in Rajasthan, western India, while traveling from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur. Smoke was first noticed from the back of the bus, and despite the driver stopping and urging passengers to evacuate, the fire spread rapidly, trapping many inside. Police suspect an electrical short caused the blaze and that a jammed door prevented … Continue reading At least 20 dead in bus fire on highway in India after jammed door traps many passengers

Indonesia’s Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupts, sends volcanic ash into the sky

Authorities in Indonesia have raised the alert to the highest level after Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupted, sending ash about 10 km (6.2 miles) into the sky. No casualties or damage were immediately reported, but residents and tourists on Flores Island have been warned to stay clear and prepare for potential evacuation. The volcano erupted twice early Wednesday, with authorities advising people to remain at least … Continue reading Indonesia’s Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupts, sends volcanic ash into the sky

NATO’s newest members offer to buy more US arms for Ukraine

Finland and Sweden announced plans to buy more U.S. weapons to support Ukraine, amid concerns that Western military aid has dropped sharply in recent months. The purchases fall under NATO’s Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), a program coordinating regular deliveries of arms and ammunition to Kyiv, with about $2 billion already allocated. Finland will also provide its own separate military equipment, while Sweden encouraged other … Continue reading NATO’s newest members offer to buy more US arms for Ukraine

Netanyahu says Hamas must disarm or “all hell breaks loose”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed hope for a peaceful next phase in the Israel-Hamas deal, emphasizing that Hamas must disarm and demilitarize, or “all hell breaks loose,” echoing President Trump’s warning. The agreement, brokered by the Trump administration, secured the release of all 20 living Israeli hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, while Hamas has begun returning the remains of deceased hostages. … Continue reading Netanyahu says Hamas must disarm or “all hell breaks loose”

Madagascar military says it seizes power, suspends institutions

Madagascar’s military has taken control of the country following the parliament’s vote to impeach President Andry Rajoelina amid weeks of youth-led antigovernment protests. Colonel Michael Randrianirina announced that the military would govern alongside a transitional committee for up to two years, suspend key institutions, and organize a referendum and elections to establish a new government. Rajoelina, who fled the country after an elite military unit … Continue reading Madagascar military says it seizes power, suspends institutions

Raila Odinga, Kenya’s former Prime Minister, dies at 80

Kenya’s former Prime Minister and longtime opposition leader Raila Odinga has died at 80 following a cardiac arrest during a morning walk in Kerala, India. Widely regarded as a key architect of Kenya’s modern democracy, Odinga ran unsuccessfully for president five times, including the contentious 2007 election that sparked deadly ethnic violence. President William Ruto declared seven days of national mourning, calling Odinga “the father … Continue reading Raila Odinga, Kenya’s former Prime Minister, dies at 80

U.S. charges Cambodian tycoon in massive alleged cryptocurrency scam

The U.S. government has seized nearly $15 billion in bitcoin and charged Chen Zhu, a U.K.-Cambodian businessman and Prince Holding Group chairman, with wire fraud and money laundering in what the Justice Department calls its largest-ever forfeiture. Prosecutors allege Chen and co-conspirators forced people to work in Cambodian cyber scam centers, running “pig butchering” investment scams that defrauded billions, with proceeds spent on yachts, jets, … Continue reading U.S. charges Cambodian tycoon in massive alleged cryptocurrency scam

Masked Hamas fighters seen executing men in Gaza City as the group fights with rival powers

Violent clashes between Hamas and rival groups in Gaza have intensified, including a disturbing incident reportedly involving the public execution of eight blindfolded men in Gaza City’s al Sabra neighborhood. Videos shared on social media, some from Hamas-affiliated channels, show masked fighters, some wearing Hamas headbands, dragging, assaulting, and ultimately shooting the detainees while large crowds watch. While the timing of the execution cannot be … Continue reading Masked Hamas fighters seen executing men in Gaza City as the group fights with rival powers

Madagascar’s military coup leader says he is “taking the position of president”

Madagascar’s military leader, Col. Michael Randrianirina, announced Wednesday that he is “taking the position of president” following a coup that ousted President Andry Rajoelina. Randrianirina said he expects to be sworn in soon after the High Constitutional Court invited him to assume leadership while Rajoelina fled for his safety amid the uprising. The takeover follows weeks of youth-led protests over government failures, with Randrianirina promising … Continue reading Madagascar’s military coup leader says he is “taking the position of president”

Pennsylvania man pleads guilty in arson attack at governor’s mansion

Cody Balmer pleaded guilty Tuesday to attempted murder of Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, along with terrorism, arson, burglary, assault, and other charges, for setting fires at the occupied governor’s mansion in April. Using gasoline-filled beer bottles, Balmer ignited multiple fires after scaling a security fence and breaking windows, but Shapiro and his family were unharmed. Under a plea deal, he was sentenced to 25–50 years … Continue reading Pennsylvania man pleads guilty in arson attack at governor’s mansion

Los Angeles County declares state of emergency over immigration raids

Los Angeles County officials voted Tuesday to declare a state of emergency in response to ongoing federal ICE raids, aiming to assist residents financially and legally affected by the actions. The measure, passed 4-1, allows the county to provide rent relief, legal aid, and other services, as well as request state and federal support and expedite contracting to address the crisis. Supervisors said the raids … Continue reading Los Angeles County declares state of emergency over immigration raids

Trump says US will not ‘waste our time’ helping Argentina if Milei loses

President Donald Trump pledged a $20 billion currency swap to support Argentina’s economy, contingent on the election victory of right-wing President Javier Milei. Milei, a self-described anarcho-capitalist, met Trump at the White House on Tuesday, where the two leaders emphasized their close political bond. Trump said the U.S. would back Milei’s economic policies but indicated no support if Milei loses, criticizing opposing philosophies as incapable … Continue reading Trump says US will not ‘waste our time’ helping Argentina if Milei loses

Senate tanks GOP funding patch for eighth time amid shutdown gridlock

Senate Democrats on Tuesday again rejected the GOP-led funding patch, extending the government shutdown beyond two weeks. This marks the eighth failed attempt to advance the House-passed measure, with only a few Democrats breaking rank or abstaining, leaving the vote at 49-45. Senate leaders say negotiations are ongoing, but progress is stalled without direct involvement from party leadership and the White House. Republicans are considering … Continue reading Senate tanks GOP funding patch for eighth time amid shutdown gridlock

Erika Kirk accepts Presidential Medal of Freedom honoring late husband Charlie Kirk

President Donald Trump posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk during a White House ceremony on Tuesday. Kirk, killed in a September shooting at Utah Valley University, was a major figure in right-wing politics and founder of Turning Point USA, known for mobilizing young conservatives and his close alliance with Trump. The award, presented on what would have been … Continue reading Erika Kirk accepts Presidential Medal of Freedom honoring late husband Charlie Kirk

Trump issues dire warning to Hamas: If they don’t disarm ‘we will disarm them’

President Donald Trump warned Hamas on Tuesday that if the group does not disarm voluntarily, “we will disarm them.” His remarks came after the release of all 20 surviving hostages held in Gaza, though most of the 28 deceased hostages remain unrecovered. Under the U.S.-brokered deal, Hamas was expected to return all hostages—living and dead—within 72 hours, but the group has said it cannot locate … Continue reading Trump issues dire warning to Hamas: If they don’t disarm ‘we will disarm them’

High-speed Border Patrol chase ends in arrest, tear gas used on protesters on Chicago’s South Side

A Border Patrol chase on Chicago’s South Side ended Tuesday with the arrest of a driver suspected of being in the U.S. illegally and the deployment of tear gas against protesters. Federal officials said the driver rammed a Border Patrol vehicle before fleeing and was apprehended after a short pursuit. As agents made the arrest, a crowd gathered, prompting federal officers to use tear gas … Continue reading High-speed Border Patrol chase ends in arrest, tear gas used on protesters on Chicago’s South Side

Trump touts another US strike near Venezuela that killed six alleged drug smugglers

President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that the U.S. military conducted a strike on a suspected drug-smuggling vessel off Venezuela’s coast, killing six people linked to narcoterrorist networks. The operation marks the fifth fatal strike against alleged drug boats in the Caribbean since September and follows the administration’s declaration of a “non-international armed conflict” with drug traffickers. A new Joint Task Force under U.S. Southern Command … Continue reading Trump touts another US strike near Venezuela that killed six alleged drug smugglers