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- 1Pope meets sex abuse victims, urges 'wise leaders' ahead of French election▼Pope meets victims of sex abuse, urges ‘wise leaders’ as French election looms
Pope Francis met with victims of clergy sexual abuse and called for 'wise leaders' in comments made as France prepares for its upcoming election. The meeting underscores the Catholic Church's ongoing reckoning with abuse scandals, while the Pope's remarks on leadership were widely read as a message aimed at voters ahead of the French vote.
- 2Russian forces strike near Zaporizhzhia industrial facility●Russian forces strike near an industrial facility in Zaporizhzhia
Russian forces have carried out a strike near an industrial facility in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, according to Ukrainian news reporting. Details on casualties or damage were not immediately available. The attack adds to continued Russian shelling of infrastructure and industrial sites in the southern Ukrainian region, which has faced repeated strikes during the war.
- 3Trump rejects Iran's seven-day roadmap to end war and reopen Hormuz▼Trump rejects Iran’s seven-day roadmap to end war and reopen Hormuz
US President Donald Trump has rejected a seven-day roadmap proposed by Iran that aimed to end the ongoing war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz to shipping. The proposal had been seen as a possible off-ramp in the conflict, and its rejection keeps tensions high in a region critical to global oil flows. Observers are watching for how Tehran responds and whether diplomacy can still resume.
- 4Seven Killed, 40 Wounded in Strike on Yemen Market●Seven People Killed, 40 Wounded in Strike on Market in Yemen's Taiz, Houthis Say
A strike hit a market in Taiz, Yemen, killing seven people and wounding 40 others, according to the Houthis. The incident adds to the civilian toll of Yemen's long-running conflict, and details about who carried out the strike and the exact circumstances remain unconfirmed by independent sources so far.
- 5Experts warn Trump allies may disrupt midterm vote counting▼Trump allies could use midterms ‘counting window’ to disrupt results, experts warn
Election experts are warning that allies of Donald Trump could exploit the gap between polls closing and results being certified in the US midterms to challenge or delay vote counts. The concern centres on efforts to contest tallies in key states, echoing tactics used after the 2020 election, raising fresh alarm over the integrity of the 2026 midterm results.
- 6Federal Reserve raises interest rates for the first time since 2023●Federal Reserve raises interest rates for the 1st time since 2023
The US Federal Reserve has raised interest rates for the first time since 2023, according to ABC News. A rate hike would mark a reversal from the easing cycle of recent years and would affect borrowing costs for mortgages, credit cards and businesses across the American economy. Markets and households will be watching for signals on whether further increases are planned.
- 7Trump Says 'We Got Them' After Foiled UK Airbase Terror Plot●Trump Says ‘We Got Them’ After Suspected Terror Plot Foiled At UK Airbase
Donald Trump declared 'we got them' after authorities foiled a suspected terrorist plot targeting a UK airbase. The claim came shortly after reports of an apparent plot being disrupted, though details about the suspects and the nature of the threat remain limited. The comments have drawn attention given the sensitivity of US-UK security cooperation and Trump's direct public framing of the operation.
- 8Iran seizes advanced US military underwater vehicle▼Iran seizes 'advanced US military underwater vehicle'
Iran says it has seized an advanced United States military underwater vehicle, according to reporting carried by US news outlets. The incident adds to a series of confrontations between Iranian forces and the US military in the region, and details about the circumstances of the seizure and whether Washington will respond remain limited.
- 9Hamas Leader Accuses Israel of Using Gaza Blood in Election▼Hamas Leader Says Israel to Use Gaza 'Blood' in Election
A senior Hamas leader has accused Israel of exploiting bloodshed in Gaza for political gain ahead of an election. The remarks, reported by Asharq Al-Awsat and Middle East Eye, claim Israeli actors will use Palestinian deaths to sway voters. The accusation underscores how the Gaza conflict has become entangled in regional and domestic electoral politics.
- 10
Donald Trump has made claims about casualty figures in the Russia-Ukraine war, describing the numbers as stunning. Beyond the headline, no specific figures, dates or context are provided. The claim is likely to draw scrutiny given disputed casualty tolls throughout the conflict.
- 11Russian strikes on data centers cut internet for 100,000 Ukrainian homes●Russia targets Ukraine's data centers as attacks disrupt internet access for 100,000 households
Russia has attacked data centers in Ukraine, disrupting internet access for around 100,000 households. The strikes mark an expansion of Moscow's campaign against Ukrainian infrastructure, moving beyond power grids to telecommunications and digital networks. The outages add to the hardship facing Ukrainian civilians during continued aerial attacks and raise concerns about the resilience of the country's connectivity during the war.
- 12South African police probe mining feud after 27 killed in shootings▼South African police probe mining feud, business rivalry after shootings kill 27
South African police are investigating a mining feud and business rivalry as the possible motive behind a series of shootings that have left 27 people dead. The killings, linked to disputes in the country's mining sector, have raised alarm over organised violence tied to mineral-rich operations.
- 13US intelligence: Saudi Arabia has not abandoned nuclear weapons ambitions▼US intelligence says Saudi Arabia has not abandoned its nuclear weapons ambitions
US intelligence agencies have assessed that Saudi Arabia has not given up its ambitions to acquire nuclear weapons, according to a report highlighted by the Tehran Times. The finding underscores lingering concerns in Washington about proliferation in the Gulf, particularly as Riyadh continues to insist its nuclear programme is peaceful while keeping options open amid regional rivalry with Iran.
- 14Palestinian death toll in Gaza war passes 74,000●Palestinian death toll in Gaza war rises above 74,000 since the war began
The Palestinian death toll in the Gaza war has risen above 74,000 since the conflict began, according to a new reported count. The figure marks another grim milestone in a war that has drawn sustained international attention and ongoing debate over ceasefire efforts and humanitarian conditions in the territory.
- 15Trump says Iran-linked terror suspects plotting UK base attack were under watch●Trumps says terror suspects in possible Iran-linked plot to attack UK base were being watched
Donald Trump said terror suspects allegedly involved in a possible Iran-linked plot to attack a British military base were already being monitored by authorities before arrests. The claim highlights growing concern over Iranian-backed activity targeting UK installations. Further details about the suspects, the specific base, and the state of any investigation have not yet been confirmed by UK officials.
- 16Bill Gates says AI regulation will be harder to negotiate than nuclear arms▼Bill Gates says getting countries to agree on AI regulations will be harder than Cold War-era nuclear negotiations
Bill Gates said reaching international agreement on artificial intelligence regulations will be more difficult than the nuclear arms negotiations of the Cold War era. His comments highlight the challenge of getting countries with competing interests to align on rules for a fast-moving technology. The remarks have drawn attention as governments worldwide debate how to oversee AI development.
- 17
Media coverage is spotlighting the environmental toll of the data centers powering the AI boom, from high electricity demand and water use for cooling to growing carbon emissions. As artificial intelligence adoption accelerates worldwide, the expansion of server infrastructure is raising questions about whether tech companies' climate commitments can keep pace with the resources AI requires.
- 18Iran says diplomacy is America's only option as Drumcree march disrupted▼World in Brief: Iran says diplomacy is America’s only option; Orange Order march in Drumcree disrupted
Iranian officials have declared that diplomacy is the only path available to the United States in their dealings with Tehran, a statement that lands amid ongoing tensions over Iran's nuclear programme. Separately, in Northern Ireland, an Orange Order march at Drumcree was disrupted, reviving attention to one of the region's most contentious parading disputes.
- 19UK police arrest five men near US air base on terror suspicion●UK police arrest 5 men near an air base used by US on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act
British police have arrested five men near an air base used by the United States on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act. The arrests follow counter-terrorism operations near the facility, which hosts US personnel. Details about the men, the specific base and the alleged plot have not been released, and authorities have not said whether any target was identified.
- 20
The US Federal Reserve has raised interest rates again, prompting warnings that a recession could follow. Commentators argue the tightening cycle, aimed at curbing inflation, risks slowing the economy too sharply and pushing it into a downturn. Debate is focused on whether further hikes are coming and how badly households, businesses and markets will be hit.
- 21Sudan will not yield to pressure or blackmail, al-Burhan says▼Sudan will not yield to pressure or blackmail, al-Burhan says — Anadolu Agency
Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan declared that Sudan will not succumb to pressure or blackmail, according to Anadolu Agency. The statement comes as Sudan continues to face international scrutiny amid its devastating civil war between the army and the Rapid Support Forces, which has displaced millions and created one of the world's worst humanitarian crises.
- 22
The health authorities in Gaza have reported that the death toll from the Israeli military campaign has risen to 74,018, as airstrikes and ground operations continue across the territory. The figure, carried by regional news outlets including Syria's state news agency SANA, underscores the mounting civilian casualties in the conflict, which has drawn ongoing international concern and calls for a ceasefire.
- 23Trump Moves To Cancel $810 Million in Congress-Approved Spending●Trump Moves To Cancel $810 Million in Spending Approved by Congress
President Trump has moved to cancel $810 million in federal spending that was previously approved by Congress. The move raises questions over executive authority versus congressional control of the budget, and is likely to draw objections from lawmakers in both parties whose approved appropriations are being targeted.
- 24Trump says US won't slow AI development after Xi visit●Trump says US won't put brakes on AI following Xi visit, despite calls for international safeguards
President Donald Trump says the United States will not put the brakes on artificial intelligence development, speaking after a visit by Chinese leader Xi Jinping. His stance comes despite growing calls for international safeguards on AI, and signals that Washington intends to prioritise competitiveness over coordinated global restrictions on the fast-moving technology.
- 25Brazil sees mass political rallies one week before elections▼Political rallies fill Brazil’s streets a week before elections
Large political rallies have filled streets across Brazil one week before the country's elections, with supporters of rival candidates turning out in force in the final stretch of campaigning. The gatherings underline how closely contested the vote is and how polarized the electorate remains heading into election day.
- 26Doctors say RSF looted hospital in recaptured Sudan town▼Sudanese doctors say RSF looted and wrecked hospital in recaptured town
Sudanese doctors say the Rapid Support Forces looted and wrecked a hospital in a town recently recaptured in the country's ongoing war. The allegation adds to a pattern of medical facilities being attacked or stripped of supplies during the conflict, worsening an already severe humanitarian crisis. Observers say the report underscores the toll on civilians as fighting continues between the RSF and the Sudanese army.
- 27
Deutsche Welle examines Syria's path following the fall of the Assad regime, focusing on demands for justice for victims of the former government and the struggle to build a free society. The report highlights questions of accountability for past abuses and the challenges facing Syria's political transition after decades of authoritarian rule.
- 28Trump rolls back Biden-era car fuel economy rules▼Trump says he is rolling back Biden-era US fuel economy rules for cars
Donald Trump announced that his administration is rolling back fuel economy standards for cars introduced under Joe Biden. The rules required automakers to improve average vehicle efficiency in the coming years. The rollback is expected to please car manufacturers but draw criticism from climate advocates, as weaker standards typically mean higher fuel consumption and emissions across the US vehicle fleet.
- 29EU allocates €710 million for crises and disasters in Africa▼EU allocates €710 million for crises and disasters, mainly in Africa
The European Union has approved €710 million in funding to respond to crises and disasters, with the largest share directed to African countries. The aid package is intended to support humanitarian relief in regions facing conflict, food insecurity, and natural disasters. The announcement is being picked up by news outlets across the Middle East and Africa, where the assistance will have the most direct impact.
- 30Smotrich urges Israel to wage war in West Bank●Smotrich: Israel must ‘go to war’ in West Bank, ‘do there what we did in Gaza’
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has called on Israel to launch a war in the West Bank, saying the military should 'do there what we did in Gaza'. His remarks, reported by The Times of Israel, draw a direct parallel between the Gaza campaign and a potential large-scale operation in the occupied territory, drawing sharp attention to escalating rhetoric from within the government.
- 31Dutch Central Bank Chief Urges Restraint on State Debt●Dutch Need to Keep State Debt in Check, Central Bank Chief Says
The head of the Dutch central bank, De Nederlandsche Bank, has warned that the Netherlands needs to keep its state debt under control. The warning comes as governments across Europe face pressure on public finances, with the Dutch central bank chief stressing that fiscal discipline is necessary to keep the country's debt in check.
- 32Sudan's Burhan rejects US truce conditions▼Sudan’s Burhan rejects US truce conditions, says no visa needed
Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan has rejected conditions attached to a United States-backed truce proposal, while also dismissing suggestions that he needs a visa. The rejection signals continued obstacles to ceasefire efforts in Sudan's civil war between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. Observers say the dispute over terms could prolong negotiations and deepen the conflict.
- 33Lawmakers slam Trump's cancellation of $810 million in Congress-approved funding▼Lawmakers slam Trump’s move to cancel $810M in funding approved by Congress
President Trump is moving to cancel roughly $810 million in funding that Congress had already approved, drawing sharp criticism from lawmakers who say the move usurps Congress's constitutional power of the purse. Critics argue the rollback will strip resources from programs lawmakers deliberately funded, and the clash is fuelling a fresh fight over presidential authority over federal spending.
- 34Taipei Says US Understands Taiwan's Defense Needs▼US Understands Taiwan’s Defense Needs, Taipei Says Amid Security Concerns
Taiwan's government says the United States understands the island's defense needs, a statement issued amid ongoing security concerns over China's pressure on Taipei. The remark is being read as an effort to reassure the public and Washington's partners that security cooperation between the two sides remains on track despite tensions in the region.
- 35Canada calls Iran 'principal threat to peace' over nuclear ambitions▼Canada calls Iran 'principal threat to peace,' says it must never acquire nuclear weapons
Canada has publicly labelled Iran the principal threat to peace, stating plainly that Tehran must never be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons. The statement marks a firm position from Ottawa on one of the most contested files in international security, and it lands amid ongoing debate over diplomacy, sanctions and military options aimed at stopping Iran's nuclear programme.
- 36Island nations refuse to give up on climate fight▼'We're not giving up': Beset by climate change, island nations act as conscience of a warming world
Low-lying island nations facing existential threats from rising seas and warming oceans are pressing ahead with climate action despite limited global progress, according to reporting carried by AP and other outlets. Their leaders describe their role as the conscience of a warming world, urging larger emitters to cut emissions even as their own futures are threatened.
- 37Israeli terror victim criticises Macron over Hamas statement▼‘Like denying the sun will come up’: Israeli terror victim blasts Macron over Hamas claim
An Israeli victim of terrorism has publicly criticised French President Emmanuel Macron over a claim he made about Hamas, saying his remark was like denying the sun will come up. The comment reflects ongoing anger in Israel over European leaders' statements regarding Hamas and the conflict.
- 38
Health authorities have issued a virus warning as an outbreak continues to spread, according to a report carried by news.com.au. The alert comes as the widening scale of infections raises concern about further transmission and the measures needed to contain it. Details on the virus involved and affected regions were not provided.
- 39Rio residents take on gangs as crime drives Brazil's election▼Rio residents find their own way to tackle gangs as crime dominates Brazil’s election
As crime dominates Brazil's election campaign, residents of Rio de Janeiro are taking matters into their own hands, finding local ways to confront the gangs that control parts of the city. With security a top voter concern, the story highlights the gap between official policy and life in communities where armed groups operate, fuelling debate over the candidates' competing approaches to public safety.
- 40South Africa reels from mass shootings that killed 38 in a week●South Africa reels from spate of mass shootings that killed 38 people in a week
South Africa is grappling with a wave of mass shootings that left at least 38 people dead in a single week. The attacks, reported by NPR, have shocked the country and renewed concern about gun violence and public safety. Authorities face pressure to respond as communities mourn the victims and question how such deadly sprees could occur in such a short span.
- 41Island nations vow to keep fighting climate change●'We're not giving up': Beset by climate change, island nations continue the fight
Low-lying island nations, among the world's most vulnerable to rising seas and extreme weather, are pressing on with efforts to combat climate change despite mounting setbacks. Leaders and delegates from these countries signal renewed determination, saying 'we're not giving up' as they continue pushing for stronger global action and support for their survival.
- 42UN Official Says US Drug-Boat Strikes May Be Crimes Against Humanity●UN Official Says U.S. Drug-Boat Strikes May Be Crimes Against Humanity
A United Nations official has said that U.S. strikes on boats suspected of carrying drugs may amount to crimes against humanity. The remark adds to international scrutiny of the American campaign against drug-trafficking vessels, with human rights advocates questioning the legality of lethal attacks on suspected traffickers who have not been given the chance to surrender or face trial.
- 43
US stock futures are holding steady as investors await President Trump's decision on Iran, according to Investor's Business Daily. Traders are watching closely for signs of escalation or de-escalation in the standoff, with energy prices and safe-haven assets likely to react sharply to any announcement involving military action or new sanctions.
- 44Trump Administration Seeks to Reshape Election Rules Before Midterms●Trump administration is trying to reshape election rules to its advantage ahead of midterm elections
The Trump administration is moving to change US election rules in ways that could benefit it politically ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. According to Le Monde, the effort to reshape voting and electoral procedures ahead of the vote is drawing scrutiny as critics warn of efforts to tilt the playing field in the Republican Party's favor.
- 45Ukrainian boarding schools train teens to replace fallen fathers▼Ukrainian boarding schools train teens to replace fallen fathers in war
A report says Ukrainian boarding schools are training teenagers to step into combat roles left by fathers killed in the war with Russia. The story has drawn attention to how the prolonged conflict is pushing Ukraine to prepare a younger generation for military service, raising questions about manpower shortages and the human cost of the war.
- 46
The death toll from Israel's military campaign in Gaza has risen above 74,000, according to figures reported by regional news outlets. The number reflects the continuing humanitarian toll of the conflict, which has drawn sustained international attention and calls for a ceasefire. Casualty figures from Gaza are compiled by local health authorities, who say many victims remain under rubble.
- 47Trump downplays Iran war deaths in comparisons to past conflicts▼Trump appears to downplay Iran war deaths in social posts comparing them to previous conflicts
President Trump is facing criticism after social media posts in which he compared casualties from recent conflict with Iran to death tolls from earlier American wars, comments that critics say minimize the human cost of the fighting. The remarks have drawn backlash as debate continues over the aftermath of the US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and the broader consequences of the confrontation.
- 48Democrats court voters by running on Christian faith●These Democrats are running for Congress on Christian faith. Will it pay off?
A group of Democratic congressional candidates is openly campaigning on their Christian faith, hoping to reconnect with religious voters who have drifted toward Republicans. The strategy is drawing attention as Democrats assess whether emphasizing faith can broaden their appeal in key races, and whether religious language will resonate with moderate and rural constituents in the current political climate.
- 49Trump rejects Iran deal as GOP fights to hold Congress▼Sunday shows preview: Trump rejects Iran deal after week of high-stakes meetings; GOP clammers to keep Congress
President Trump has rejected a proposed deal with Iran following a week of high-stakes meetings with advisers and officials, according to The Hill's Sunday shows preview. At the same time, Republicans are scrambling to keep control of Congress ahead of upcoming elections. The weekend talk shows are expected to weigh both the collapsing diplomatic track with Tehran and the GOP's legislative and electoral prospects.
- 50Germany hosts EU talks on tightening migration pact▼Germany news: Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt hosts EU talks to tighten migration pact
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt is hosting talks with EU counterparts aimed at tightening the European migration pact. The discussions, held in Germany, focus on strengthening the bloc's shared asylum and migration rules. The move signals Berlin's push for a harder line on migration policy at the European level, a subject of ongoing debate among member states.