Separatist suicide attack in southwestern Pakistan kills at least five

A vehicle packed with explosives targeted a paramilitary convoy in Balochistan, Pakistan, killing at least five and injuring over 30. The Baloch Liberation Army claimed responsibility for the attack, which follows their recent hijacking of a train. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the violence amid rising security concerns linked to militants finding refuge in Afghanistan.

Tornadoes, wildfires, and blinding dust: Massive US storm leaves at least 32 dead

A devastating storm system, including violent tornadoes, has killed at least 32 people across the central and southern U.S., causing widespread destruction in states like Missouri, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Alabama. Rescuers have found numerous bodies amid the debris, while thousands face evacuations and emergency declarations due to extreme weather conditions affecting over 100 million people.

US weighing in on Lebanon's next central bank chief in a bid to weaken Hezbollah

The US is actively influencing Lebanon's selection of a new central bank governor to combat corruption and limit Hezbollah's financing through the banking system. This follows Lebanon's ongoing financial crisis and aims to ensure reforms are prioritized. Candidates under consideration include former ministers and investment firm heads, as the US engages with the Lebanese government and Saudi Arabia on the matter.

Donald Trump invokes 1798 Alien Enemies Act for deportations. Here’s what it means

President Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act to deport individuals associated with Venezuela's Tren de Aragua gang, citing an "invasion" threat. A federal judge quickly blocked the deportations, questioning the use of wartime powers in peacetime. Critics argue this move misapplies the act, which has only been used during declared wars, to address non-state actors like gangs.

ATF personnel killed, 6 others injured in IED blast in Pakistan's Quetta: Report

An IED blast in Quetta, Pakistan, killed one Anti-Terrorism Force (ATF) personnel and injured six others while they were patrolling Barori Road. The wounded were hospitalized, and security forces cordoned off the area for investigation. This incident follows a train hijacking by the Baloch Liberation Army, which claimed responsibility for the deaths of 214 hostages due to failed negotiations.

Judge temporarily blocks Trump's use of wartime powers to target Venezuelan gang members

A federal judge temporarily blocked President Trump's attempt to expedite deportations of alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua under the Alien Enemies Act. The judge ruled the act does not justify such actions against non-combatants. Critics argue the move could lead to mass deportations and violate due process rights, with legal challenges expected.

Donald Trump invokes 18th century law to speed up mass deportations

President Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act to expedite deportations of Venezuelans, claiming the Tren de Aragua gang poses a threat to the U.S. His declaration, however, faced immediate legal challenges, as a federal judge temporarily barred deportations of five Venezuelans. The move, which could grant the administration extensive deportation powers, has sparked significant controversy and litigation.

Lawyers for detained Columbia student ask for his release on bail

Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student arrested for pro-Palestinian activism, is being held in immigration custody in Louisiana. His lawyers argue for bail, citing no flight risk and his impending fatherhood. Khalil?s case has ignited protests and is linked to President Trump's deportation threats against activists. His detention raises concerns over free speech and dissent.

Pope Francis progressing but still needs in-hospital therapy: Vatican

Pope Francis is stable and showing gradual improvement, according to the Vatican. However, he still requires in-hospital medical therapy, including motor and respiratory physiotherapy. The Vatican confirmed that these therapies are yielding positive results.

Donald Trump signs bill funding government for 6 months, avoiding shutdown

President Trump signed a funding bill into law, averting a government shutdown through September. The legislation, which passed with a 54-46 Senate vote, maintains current funding levels while reducing non-defense spending by $13 billion and increasing defense spending by $6 billion. Democrats were divided, with some arguing the bill undermines key priorities but ultimately choosing to avoid a shutdown.

Greek government debt raised to investment grade by Moody's, closing the door on a painful era

Greece's government celebrated a credit rating upgrade from Moody's, marking the end of a 15-year junk status for its bonds. Finance Minister Kostis Hatzidakis called it a success for all Greeks, while Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized ongoing reforms to attract investment and drive growth. The upgrade reflects improved public finances and a stable political environment.

White House withdraws nomination for U.S. hostage envoy

The Trump administration has withdrawn Adam Boehler's nomination as special presidential envoy for hostage affairs, allowing him to continue his work as a "special government employee" without Senate confirmation. He will focus on hostage negotiations, including efforts with Hamas. His nomination withdrawal was to avoid divesting from his investment company, not due to controversy over his talks with Hamas.

UN chief Guterres calls on international community to provide support to Rohingya refugees

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged the international community to provide financial and political support for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh to prevent humanitarian disasters. During his visit, he condemned aid cuts from the US and Europe, calling them a "crime." Guterres praised Bangladesh's generosity in hosting the refugees and emphasized the need for a lasting solution to the crisis.

Zelenskiy says troops not surrounded in Kursk, Russia says it retakes two villages

Ukrainian troops are resisting Russian and North Korean forces in Kursk, facing a potential new assault on the Sumy region. President Zelenskiy confirmed that Russian forces are retaking villages and building up for further attacks. Meanwhile, Ukraine has stabilized near Pokrovsk and successfully deployed a new long-range missile. International allies are preparing to support Ukraine amid ongoing tensions.

Millions of Cubans remain without power after substation failure left the island in the dark

Cuba faced a massive blackout, leaving millions without power after a failure in the electric grid. This marks the fourth outage in six months amid a severe economic crisis. Authorities are working to restore power through interconnected microsystems, while the aging infrastructure and fuel shortages at power plants exacerbate the situation. The blackouts threaten food preservation for many families.