Panama president-elect builds business-friendly cabinet

In Panama President-elect Jose Raul Mulino's first cabinet selections, he has pulled an economist and business leaders into his ranks; he promised an administration 'friendly to the private sector.'

Pro-Ukraine Russian paramilitaries join fight on front lines

The Freedom of Russia Legion and two other units made up of Russian nationals have joined the fight in Ukraine against Putin's invasion.

Russian metals tycoon says US Treasury sanctions against him are 'balderdash'

The U.S. Treasury levied sanctions on Russian aluminum tycoon Oleg Deripaska for an alleged sanctions evasion scheme aimed at unlocking frozen shares. Deripaska dismissed the sanctions.

Italy's age-defying sprinter shatters world record at 90 years old

Italy's Emma Maria Mazzenga, at 90 years old, has set a world record in the 200-meter sprint, completing it in 51.47 seconds. This surpasses a previous record set in Japan.

France grapples to regain control of violent unrest in New Caledonia as death toll rises to 4

Riots have erupted in New Caledonia, resulting in four deaths and widespread destruction. France has declared a state of emergency and aims to restore order.

Turkey converts ancient church into mosque, sparking debate on heritage preservation

Turkey has converted the ancient Chora church in Istanbul, previously a museum for over 70 years, into a mosque, marking the second major conversion in recent months.

US Treasury puts sanctions on 1 Russian man, 3 companies for attempting to evade sanctions

Russian metals tycoon Oleg Deripaska and three Russia-based companies were saddled with new sanctions by the U.S. Treasury for their attempt to avoid existing sanctions.

Japan's military struggles to recruit women following series of sexual harassment cases

Japan's military is struggling to recruit women, which is partly due to a decline in applications following instances of sexual harassment within the ranks.

Ukraine opens first underground school to shield children from airstrikes in war-torn Kharkiv

Hundreds of children in Kharkiv, Ukraine, have started lessons in the country's first bunker school, designed to protect them from Russian attacks, officials say.

Ukraine's Kharkiv residents remain defiant as Russia launches new offensive

Despite intense fighting in the Kharkiv region, residents of Ukraine's second largest city, Kharkiv, have remained defiant. The city experienced a temporary respite on Sunday.

Nepali guide, UK mountaineer surpass their own records for most climbs of Mount Everest

British climber Kenton Cool and Nepali guide Kami Rita Sherpa have both set new records for the most climbs of Mount Everest, officials said on Sunday.

Ex-pharmacy exec sentenced for role in deadly meningitis outbreak caused by mold-tainted drugs

Barry Cadden, the former president of New England Compounding Center, has been sentenced to prison for his involvement in the deaths of 11 Michigan residents.

India's Kashmir opposition leaders accuse government of sabotaging campaigns

Opposition leaders in India's Kashmir valley are accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government of obstructing their campaign events, officials say.

Switzerland reckons with historic neutrality as it prepares to host Ukraine peace summit

Citizens and politicians of Switzerland debate what form the country's historic neutrality should take as it pertains to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Israeli envoy slams disclosure of US hold on arms for Israel, calling move 'the wrong message'

Israeli Ambassador Michael Herzog has voiced strong discontent over the U.S. decision to publicly announce that it will withhold certain weapons from Israel.

US committee probes Georgia university's alleged ties to Chinese military-linked research

A U.S. committee has launched an inquiry into the Georgia Institute of Technology's collaboration with a Chinese institution accused of ties to the People's Liberation Army.

As Russia advances, Ukrainian relief group evacuates towns near the front lines

EastSOS, a relief group, helps evacuate Ukrainian civilians from areas on the front lines of Russia's attack and take them to safer areas.

US official raises alarm over forcible repatriation of North Koreans from China

A U.S. official overseeing North Korea affairs has voiced concerns about China's forced repatriation of North Koreans, according to the U.S. State Department.

'Dead Poets Society' director to receive Venice Golden Lion award for lifetime achievement

Australian director Peter Weir, best known for films like "Dead Poets Society" and "The Truman Show" is set to receive recognition for his career at the Venice Film Festival.

Putin defends Russia's planned tactical nuclear weapons drill, calling exercise 'nothing unusual'

The planned exercise involving the practice deployment of tactical nuclear weapons in southern Russia is nothing unusual, according to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Millions of workers in China struggle to retire due to economic insecurity

China's aging rural migrant population faces challenges as they approach retirement age. Many migrants must return to their villages with minimal financial support.

Ukraine tycoon jailed after being named suspect in decades-old murder attempt, police say

Ukraine tycoon Ihor Kolomoisky is suspected of orchestrating a murder attempt on a lawyer over a corporate dispute 20 years ago, authorities have confirmed.

Republicans urge Biden to prevent French company from collaborating with Russian nuclear company

A letter to President Biden from two Republicans warned that waiving Russia sanctions would allow a French power company to work with Russia-owned nuclear company Rosatom.

China says Australian helicopter 'provoked' response after near miss encounter with Chinese jet

China blamed Australia for a recent encounter over the Yellow Sea in which a Chinese jet dropped flares near an Australian helicopter when it got too close to Chinese airspace.

Using high-tech drones, Russia is pressing aerial advantage against beleaguered Ukrainian artillery

Russian surveillance drones patrol the skies of Ukraine, forcing Ukrainian artillery units to stay in hiding while they wait for aid and reinforcements.

With monsoon season on horizon, coming weeks could prove critical for outcome of Burmese war

The low cloud cover of monsoon season in Burma means the junta's air force will be less powerful. Both the Burmese military and ethnic rebels want to make gains before the rains come.

White House official urges US mining projects in nations deemed 'risky' by corporations

A senior White House adviser has voiced the necessity of encouraging mining projects in countries where Western corporations might be hesitant to invest.

Ukraine examines North Korea missile debris from Russian strikes

Ukrainian state prosecutors have examined debris from approximately half of the 50 North Korean ballistic missiles launched by Russia beginning last December.

Palestinians pursue UN General Assembly support for full membership bid

The United Nations General Assembly is considering a draft resolution to recognize Palestinians as qualified for full U.N. membership, according to officials.

During France visit, Chinese president urged to influence Russia to end war in Ukraine

President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday to urge him to influence Russia to end the war.

Claims of surrogacy, illegal in China, investigated by Chinese health commission

China is investigating claims of an illegal surrogacy operation in the Chongqing Angel Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital in China that went viral on social media.

Putin's inauguration: France will send diplomat, Germany and Baltic states will not

While France will send its ambassador to the inauguration of Russian President Vladimir Putin, other countries will protest by withholding their own ambassadors.

Holocaust survivors visit Auschwitz for annual March of the Living, reflect on Oct. 7 attacks

Thousands of Jews, including Holocaust survivors personally affected by the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks on Israel, commemorated Holocaust victims in the annual March of the Living.

Biden, Jordan's King Abdullah II have 'informal' meeting as Gaza cease-fire seems unlikely

Jordan's King Abdullah II visited President Joe Biden at the White House for an informal meeting to discuss challenges facing the allies, like Israel's possible Rafah ground offensive.

China urged by state agencies to ramp up number of ICU beds

China has been urged to boost its number of intensive care unit beds as part of its public health strategy, according to a statement by several state agencies.

Dairy farm worker infected with bird flu; CDC urges workers to wear protective gear

The CDC urged dairy workers to wear protective equipment when working near cows after a farm worker in Texas developed a serious eye infection while infected with bird flu.

31 confirmed dead as heavy rains continue to batter southern Brazil, authorities say

31 people have been confirmed dead and more than 70 are missing as heavy rains continue to batter Brazil's southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul, officials say.

Georgia PM slams US criticism of draft 'foreign agents' law, dismissing it as false

Georgia's prime minister has pushed back against U.S. criticism of a proposed "foreign agents" law, dismissing it as false and reminiscent of past interference.

Base housing US military entered by Russian troops in Niger, defense official says

Russian military personnel have entered an air base in Niger that hosts U.S. troops following a decision to expel U.S. forces, according to a U.S. defense official.

Houthis would welcome students suspended for anti-Israel protests to the militia's own university

Yemen's Houthi-run Sanaa University issued a statement condemning universities' suspension of students for anti-Israel protests and welcoming students to join their school.

Death toll from heavy rains, flooding rises to 13 in southern Brazil

Heavy rains and flooding have killed 13 people so far in Brazil's southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul so far. Thousands have been displaced and 21 are still missing.

Bird flu could spread to cows outside US, head of WHO flu program says

The U.S. confirmed the presence of the bird flu in American cow herds. The W.H.O. said there is risk of the disease spreading to other countries.

New climate officials from China and US to meet for formal talks for first time

U.S. climate change diplomat John Podesta and Chinese climate diplomat Liu Zhenmin will hold official talks for the first time when the former visits Washington in May 2024.

White House voices concern over Indian intelligence service's alleged role in assassination plots

The White House has voiced concern over reported involvement of the Indian intelligence service in two assassination plots in Canada and the United States.

30 men have died while attempting to flee Ukraine to avoid military service, official says

Since the onset of the war with Russia in 2022, approximately 30 Ukrainian men have lost their lives while attempting to flee Ukraine to avoid military service.

India protests against separatist slogans at Canadian event following killing of Sikh leader a year ago

India expressed concern and protest after people attending a Canadian event addressed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau used separatist slogans in support of a Sikh homeland.

Taliban faces criticism for depriving women of human rights at UN meeting

The Taliban faces criticism for depriving women of human rights at a U.N. meeting, though no Taliban representatives attended because they are not recognized by the U.N.

World Central Kitchen, known for providing wartime food aid, to resume work in Gaza after staff deaths

World Central Kitchen is resuming operations in the Gaza Strip following a temporary halt after seven of its workers were killed in an Israeli air strike.

NATO chief says Ukraine aid will increase, apologizes for falling short, on unannounced visit

Jens Stoltenberg, chief of NATO, visited Kyiv, Ukraine, to admit that the military alliance fell short of their promises of arms to Ukraine, but reaffirmed commitment to the cause.

Russia threatens seizure of US assets in response to potential confiscation of currency reserves

A senior Russian security official has warned that Russia could retaliate against any U.S. seizure of its frozen currency reserves by seizing the assets of U.S. citizens.

Ukraine's Zelenskyy urges faster US weapon deliveries

President Zelenskyy has voiced the urgent need for faster delivery of U.S. weapons to Ukraine, saying that small amounts had begun to arrive but were inefficient.

18 confirmed dead after bus crash near Mexico City, authorities say

18 people have been confirmed dead after a bus crash on the outskirts of Mexico City on Sunday. 14 people were killed instantly, while another four died in the hospital.

Somalia detains US-trained military unit over alleged theft of rations

Somalia's government has taken action against members of its Danab commando unit for allegedly stealing rations donated by the U.S., according to officials.

Russian defense minister proposes expanded military exercises in Asia to counter US security expansion

Russia's defense minister has voiced the need for Russia and its allies in Asia to expand joint military exercises, citing what he perceives as a direct threat from the U.S.

Biden admin to tighten restrictions on firearm exports, official says

The Biden administration plans to implement new restrictions on firearms exports to limit their diversion to criminal groups and drug cartels, officials say.

Russia may downgrade relations with US if its assets are confiscated, deputy foreign minister says

The U.S. and some European countries are considering confiscating frozen Russian assets and using them to fund Ukraine. Russia said it was considering downgrading U.S. ties in response.

Russia claims US pressured Turkish Airlines into preventing Russians from flying into Mexico

A Russian official claimed that the United States was forcing Turkish Airlines to prevent Russians from flying into Mexico, but provided no evidence for the accusation.

Ukraine sees first of new EU aid package worth about $50B

Ukraine received its first tranche of financial support from the European Union as the rest of the new aid program is set to be approved.

USDA raises school nutrition standards in attempt to fight diet-related disease

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced new rules governing meals served at public schools that will go into effect over the next few years, including sugar and sodium limits.

Venezuelan opposition presidential candidate says he would free political prisoners, bring home exiles

Venezuelan opposition presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez said that, if elected, he would guarantee the freedom of political prisoners and the return of those exiled.

Republic of the Congo declares monkeypox epidemic after more than a dozen cases confirmed

The Republic of the Congo has declared a monkeypox epidemic after confirming 19 cases across five departments, including the capital Brazzaville, officials said.

Biden admin confirms 12 offshore wind auctions through 2028

The Biden administration on Wednesday announced plans for up to twelve auctions of offshore wind development rights by 2028, with four scheduled for this year.

College graduation season: 3 tips for parents to dodge expensive hotel rates

In U.S. college towns, booking a hotel room for graduation day can be challenging. Prices skyrocket as demand surges, leaving parents feeling exploited.

While Iran attacked Israel, morality police flooded its streets to suppress dissent, activists say

The same day that Iran launched its attack on Israel, it also launched a crackdown on dissent within its own borders and flooded the streets of Tehran with morality police.

Alzheimer's drug embrace slows down as US doctors' reluctance grows

The adoption of the FDA-approved Alzheimer's drug, Leqimbi, has slowed down in the U.S. as more experts grow hesitant about the drugs cost, risks and efficacy.

US and South Korea to hold talks in Hawaii on cost sharing for American troops

U.S. and South Korean officials are meeting in Hawaii to discuss sharing the cost of maintaining American troops in South Korea. The U.S. delegation is led by Linda Specht.

Georgian opposition parties urge mass protests against 'Russian' bill

Six Georgian opposition parties appealed last week for mass protests against a bill on "foreign agents" which they say aims to block the South Caucasus country's path towards the European Union and NATO.

Russia has grounds to seize Western assets after US legislative move, top lawmaker says

Top Russian lawmaker Vyacheslav Volodin on Monday warned of potential consequences of the passing of the "REPO Act" by the U.S. House of Representatives.

US aid to Ukraine will not change situation on battlefield, Russia says

Russia has responded to the approval of a new $60 billion military aid package for Ukraine by the U.S. House of Representatives, saying that it won't make an impact.

G7 leaders talk Ukraine defense support as Russia targets key infrastructure

The G7 leaders heard from the Ukrainian foreign minister as they discussed how to support Ukraine against the Russian invasion, as well as tensions between Israel and Iran.

World Health Organization, experts reach landmark agreement on how to define airborne diseases

The World Health Organization and around 500 experts have established a consensus on what it means for a disease to spread through the air, officials said.

Brazil faces Indigenous resistance over plans to drill for oil in Amazon rainforest

A Brazilian corporation is facing resistance from Indigenous groups and government agencies over its plan to explore oil drilling opportunities in the Amazon rainforest.

Texas farming crisis looms as US, Mexico spar over long-standing water treaty

Texas farm groups are sounding alarms over water shortages stemming from a dispute between Mexican and U.S. officials over a long-standing water treaty.

2 arrested in Germany for alleged plot to sabotage US military facilities on behalf of Russia

Two German-Russian nationals have been arrested in Germany for allegedly planning sabotage attacks, including targeting U.S. military facilities, officials said.

US, Italy agree to coordinate efforts to counter spread of misinformation by foreign governments

The U.S. and Italy have agreed to collaborate in combating the dissemination of misinformation and fake news by foreign governments, according to officials.

Solomon Islands national election count begins, closely watched by US, China

Counting began on Thursday in the Solomon Islands following a national election, with electoral officials seeking a larger venue in the Pacific Island capital.

Ukraine alleges Russia increasingly using tear gas illegally in battle

Ukrainian military officials allege Russian forces have increasingly used riot control agents that are illegal to use in war under the international Chemical Weapons Convention.

French organizers exclude Putin from D-Day anniversary event due to Ukraine war

French organizers of the 80th anniversary of the 1944 D-Day landings have announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin will not be invited to the event.

Caribbean ambassador proposes establishment of assembly to seek reparations for transatlantic slavery

A Caribbean ambassador has voiced the importance of creating an international tribunal to address reparations for transatlantic slavery and its enduring impacts.

'Peculiar' black hole discovered in Milky Way, scientists say

Astronomers have detected a black hole positioned roughly 2,000 light-years from Earth in the constellation Aquila. It was identified through the Gaia mission.

Full UN membership won't help Palestinians with statehood, US ambassador says

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield has voiced concerns about a U.N. resolution supporting full membership for the Palestinian Authority.

Taiwan's military submarine program to proceed after resignation of project chief

Taiwan's indigenous submarine program remains on course despite the resignation of its leader, Huang Shu-kuang, who cited unfair criticism against him and the military.

Biden admin to reject access road to northern Alaska mining district

The Biden administration plans to reject the construction of an access road to the Ambler mining district in northern Alaska. The rejection is expected later this week.

California aquarium pairs stranded sea otter pups with surrogate moms

Two California aquariums are addressing the issue of stranded sea otter pups found along the state's coast each year by pairing them with surrogate mothers.

In Gaza, 70% Youth Unemployment Leads to Despair

For young Gazan Arabs, life is terrible. There are scarcely any jobs, even for those with higher degrees. Positions are filled not on merit, but on the applicant’s connections to Hamas, or Fatah, or to the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Corruption is colossal, siphoning off billions that ought to have gone to all of the people, […]