Donald Trump’s hush money criminal trial opens in New York

The long process of selecting a jury in the first criminal trial of any ex-US president has begun. The trial could bog down Trump’s campaign for weeks as he seeks reelection to

11 months ago

World

World sees ‘severe’ coral bleaching event — US agency

The NOAA scientific agency says that the world is experiencing its second bleaching event in 10 years. A coral reef off the coast of Florida has been impacted, as has Australia’s Great

11 months ago

Earth & Climate

Australia: Several injured in west Sydney church stabbing

Several people suffered “non life-threatening injuries” after being stabbed in a church in western Sydney, police said. Officers have arrested a male suspect. A number of people were injured in a stabbing

11 months ago

World

Syrian ex-general faces Swedish court over war crime charges

Sweden has put on trial the highest-ranking Syrian military official to date to face a court in Europe. The prosecution accused the former brigadier general of “aiding and abetting” war crimes. A

11 months ago

World

Devastating floods ravage Kazakhstan and Russia

Tens of thousands of people were displaced following devastating floods after major rivers burst their banks in northern Kazakhstan and Russia. More than 125,000 people have been displaced by flooding in Russia’s southern

11 months ago

World

Indonesia: Landslides kill 18 on Sulawesi island

Rescuers in Indonesia are engaged in a search effort after deadly landslides hit villages on the island of Sulawesi. At least 18 people have died and two more were missing after landslides struck South Sulawesi

11 months ago

World

Sudan: EU ministers discuss aid on 1st anniversary of war

France is hosting an international conference to put the war in Sudan back in the spotlight, as millions face severe levels of hunger as a result of a violent power struggle that

11 months ago

World

Scholz welcomes Chinese cars but urges ‘fair’ competition

While visiting Shanghai, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has argued that the European market must be open to Chinese cars. However, he said that competition must be fair. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in

11 months ago

Politics

Iran’s attack on Israel: UN warns region ‘on the brink’

The UN Security Council has held an emergency meeting after Iran’s aerial attack on Israel. Israel called for sanctions and a firm response. Iran claimed its actions were “necessary” self-defense. The United

11 months ago

World

Afghanistan: Dozens killed as heavy rains trigger floods

More than 30 people have died as a result of flash floods across Afghanistan, including in the capital Kabul. Many of the victims were killed by their homes collapsing in on them.

11 months ago

World

Ukraine updates: Iran, Russia ‘spreading terror,’ Kyiv says

President Zelenskyy has said Iran used the same “tools of terror” against Israel as Russia uses in Ukraine. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian military has said it’s strengthening brigades in the city of Chasiv

11 months ago

World

Somali pirates free Bangladesh cargo ship after ransom paid

All 23 crew members on board the ship were released, according to a shipping firm CEO. Somalia has seen an uptick in piracy in recent months amid other threats to maritime commerce

11 months ago

World

Lufthansa group suspends Mideast flights

Germany’s flagship carrier and affiliated airlines will be suspending flights to some Mideast destinations until Monday. The German airline group Lufthansa said on Sunday flights to Amman, Beirut, Erbil and Tel Aviv  would be suspended

11 months ago

Politics

Beijing condemns US-Japan-Philippines summit, summons envoys

China summoned Japanese and Philippines diplomats over remarks expressed during a summit of the leaders of the United States, Japan and Philippines. Beijing said it opposes countries “manipulating bloc politics.” China on

11 months ago

Politics

Russia sends military trainers, troops to Niger

Russian military personnel arrived in Niamey to train their soldiers and set up an air defense system. Russia has been trying to build stronger ties with several African nations currently ruled by

11 months ago

Politics

German food and energy prices fall, inflation sinks to 2.2%

Inflation in Germany has fallen to its lowest level since before Russia invaded Ukraine. Food prices fell for the first time in more than 9 years, figures show, with energy prices dropping

11 months ago

Business

Israel sanctions: Who has imposed curbs over Gaza war?

Calls for sanctions on Israel over its offensive in Gaza are growing louder. France has refused to rule out curbs, while Turkey has restricted exports of dozens of products to Israel until

11 months ago

World

Germany: 3 teens held over suspected Islamist attack plans

Three teenagers have been detained on suspicion of planning an attack motivated by Islamist extremism. The teenagers reportedly glorified the “Islamic State” and intended to attack Christian worshippers and police. Three teenagers who

11 months ago

World

Germany: Bundestag to vote on gender self-determination law

Germany’s lower house of parliament, the Bundestag, is to vote on Friday on a law — the Self-Determination Act— that would simplify the procedure of changing one’s gender identity and first name at government

11 months ago

Society

UN: No consensus on full membership for Palestine

Members of the United Nations Security Council failed to reach a consensus on a Palestinian bid for full UN membership. A UN Security Council committee has failed to agree on a common

11 months ago

Politics

Castaways rescued after writing ‘HELP’ in palm fronds

Three men in their 40s washed up on a desert island found an ingenious way to be noticed by rescue teams — they spelled out “HELP” in palm fronds. The US Navy

11 months ago

Earth & Climate

Mali: Junta bans media coverage of political parties

In addition to banning the activities of political parties, Mali’s ruling junta has also imposed a ban on media coverage of political life. Mali’s military junta continued to restrict political life in

11 months ago

Politics

Germany: State CDU, AfD leaders clash in Thuringia TV duel

Two leading candidates of the conservative CDU and the far-right AfD in the state of Thuringia, Mario Voigt and Björn Höcke, clashed over issues such as migration and Europe. A good five

11 months ago

Politics

Ukraine updates: Russia strikes infrastructure nationwide

А number of power stations were hit after Russia launched a fresh wave of attacks across Ukraine. Meanwhile, Ukrainian lawmakers passed a bill to overhaul military conscription. Russia launched a fresh wave of

11 months ago

Ukraine

US, Japan, Philippines to hold summit amid China threat

US President Joe Biden is to host a defense summit with the leaders of Japan and the Philippines. The meeting is expected to focus on countering growing Chinese assertiveness in the disputed

11 months ago

World

Pakistan: 17 pilgrims killed, dozens injured in bus crash

The bus carrying pilgrims to Eid al-Fitr celebrations fell into a ditch in southwest Pakistan. Deadly accidents are not uncommon in the country, due to poor driver training, lax safety measures and

11 months ago

World

Akebono Taro: First foreign-born sumo champion dies at 54

Born in Hawaii, Akebono had taken up Japanese citizenship and spent 35 years there. US Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel said he was “deeply saddened” to learn of Akebono’s passing. Akebono, the

11 months ago

Arts & Entertainment

Vietnam tycoon sentenced to death in $12 billion fraud case

A Vietnamese real estate mogul has been handed the death penalty for her role in the biggest fraud case in the country’s history. Vietnamese real estate tycoon Truong My Lan was sentenced

11 months ago

World

Myanmar: Junta troops withdraw from border town, rebels say

Anti-junta rebels say they have driven government troops from a key border hub near Thailand. If the news is verified, it signals another setback for Myanmar’s military as it battles a number

11 months ago

World

Biden considers Australia request to drop Assange case

On the fifth anniversary of Julian Assange’s UK incarceration, Joe Biden said he is considering dropping the US prosecution push against the Wikileaks founder. Assange’s home country Australia has called for his

11 months ago

Society

South Korea: PM offers to resign after election defeat

South Korea’s prime minister and top presidential advisers have offered to step down after the ruling party suffered a major electoral defeat. South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and senior presidential advisers submitted

11 months ago

Politics

US: Gunfire at Philadelphia Eid al-Fitr event injures three

A shooting between two rival groups at an Eid al-Fitr event injured three, including a 15-year-old suspect. Police have taken five people into custody. Gunfire was exchanged at an Eid al-Fitr event outside a

11 months ago

World

Iran: Lufthansa suspends flights to Tehran

Due to the situation in the Middle East, German airline Lufthansa has suspended flights to the Iranian capital of Tehran. German airline Lufthansa said on Wednesday that it had suspended flights to and from Iran’s capital,

11 months ago

World

Mali: Junta suspends political party activities

Citing the need to maintain public order, the Malian junta suspended all political party activities until further notice. Mali’s junta has issued a decree suspending the activities of political parties, government spokesman

11 months ago

World

Myanmar: Rebel fighters pressure junta at border hub

The Myanmar military and an ethnic minority armed group have clashed for a second day near Myawaddy — an important frontier trading point. Thailand has said it is prepared for tens of

11 months ago

Politics

South Korea: Opposition set to boost majority — exit polls

South Korea’s main opposition Democratic Party is set to increase its parliamentary majority, according to exit polls. After a polarizing and personal campaign, the result is a blow for President Yoon Suk

11 months ago

Politics

EU parliament to vote on stricter migration rules

The European Union is set to vote on a landmark reform of its asylum system to reduce irregular migration to the bloc. If adopted the new rules would come into effect in

11 months ago

Politics

Eid al-Fitr: Muslims mark the end of Ramadan holy month

Muslims across the world, including in Germany, are celebrating after a month of fasting and prayer. For many Muslims this year it is a somber event amid the war in Gaza. Muslims

11 months ago

Society

Biden, Kishida to discuss military ties in Washington

US President Joe Biden has welcomed Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the White House. They are expected to increase cooperation over a perceived Chinese threat in the Asia-Pacific region. Japanese Prime Minister

11 months ago

Politics

Ecuador’s ex-Vice President Glas returns to prison

Jorge Glas, whose arrest from the Mexican embassy last weekend sparked international outcry, was briefly hospitalized. Ecuadorian authorities say his health has stabilized, while his lawyers continue to sound the alarm. Ecuador’s former

11 months ago

World

Missouri executes convicted killer despite clemency appeals

The mid-western US state’s governor rejected a clemency appeal for convicted murderer Brian Dorsey. His execution is the first in Missouri this year and the fifth nationwide. Missouri authorities executed on Tuesday

11 months ago

Society

Nobel Prize-winning physicist Peter Higgs dies, aged 94

The professor who proposed the existence of the so-called “God particle” that helped explain how matter formed after the Big Bang, died on Monday following a short illness. The man who gave

11 months ago

Society

Georgia: Thousands protest ‘foreign agent’ law

Thousands of people protested on Tuesday in Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi, against a plan to reintroduce a law that would allow the government to more easily monitor NGOs and the media. The ruling Georgian Dream

11 months ago

World

Climate: ECHR judges side with Swiss group in rights ruling

Judges have been ruling on complaints about national failures to curb carbon emissions. The court ruled in favor of a Swiss women’s group, saying some rights had been violated, but it threw

11 months ago

Earth & Climate

China and Russia agree to boost ties in opposition to West

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has held bilateral talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi during a visit to Beijing. They discussed their close ties and plans to boost Eurasian security. China’s Foreign

11 months ago

Politics

Germany: Minister demands ‘zero tolerance’ for violent crime

After recording an increase in violent crime, German interior minister Nancy Faeser has said there is “no justification” for violence and promised “consequences.” She also called for more effective social prevention. Germany’s

11 months ago

World

Germany presents defense at ICJ over Gaza ‘genocide’ claim

Nicaragua has brought Germany before the International Court of Justice on charges of facilitating genocide in Gaza. Germany has rebuked the claims. Germany on Tuesday blamed Nicaragua for having a “one-sided” view of

11 months ago

World

Ecuador: Ex-vice president hospitalized after embassy raid

Jorge Glas was arrested over the weekend following a rare security raid on the Mexican Embassy in Quito. Prison authorities say he had been refusing to eat. Ecuador’s detained former Vice President Jorge

11 months ago

Politics

Trump’s attempt to delay hush money trial fails

Donald Trump has argued that Democrat-heavy Manhattan would produce a jury that was prejudiced against him. The April 15 trial would be the first criminal trial for a former US president. A

11 months ago

Politics

Germany: Suspect charged with planning ‘coup’ attempt

Prosecutors in Hamburg have said affiliates of the radical “Reichsbürger” movement planned to elicit Russian help in an attempt to overthrow the German state. Prosecutors in the northern German city of Hamburg

11 months ago

World

Germany: ‘Groped’ female statues highlight sexual harassment

To show how sexual harassment leaves its mark, a women’s rights organization in Germany is drawing attention to statues of nude women, with breasts that are visibly lighter after years of being

11 months ago

Society

Israel-Hamas war: Netanyahu sets ‘date’ for Rafah offensive

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that there was a date set for an Israeli military offensive into the southern city of Rafah. “Today I received a detailed report on the talks in

11 months ago

World

Panama Papers trial gets underway with 27 suspects charged

Those among the 27 people on trial include founders of the Mossack-Fonseca law firm at the center of the “Panama Papers” tax evasion scandal that revealed how some of the world’s wealthy

11 months ago

World

Germany: Olaf Scholz joins TikTok

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz joined TikTok on Monday, with his spokesperson saying the account would reach more people curious about politics on the platform. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz became the latest head of state

11 months ago

World

Russia evacuates thousands amid floods in Ural region

Russia says thousands of homes have been flooded because of rising river levels in the Urals and surrounding regions. Russia on Monday said more than 10,000 homes had been flooded in the Ural

11 months ago

World

German airports reach agreement to end strike action

Airport operators in Germany have agreed on a deal with security staff after a series of strikes at some of the country’s biggest airports. The German trade union Verdi has made a pay

11 months ago

Business

Mozambique: More than 90 killed as overcrowded boat sinks

A makeshift ferry with nearly 130 people on board sank off the northern coast of Mozambique. Authorities said some passengers were attending a fair, while others were trying to escape a deadly

11 months ago

World

Ukraine: Drone attack damages Zaporizhzhia power plant

Nuclear watchdog the IAEA says building housing reactor sustained damage after three direct hits but safety was not compromised. Moscow and Kyiv have each blamed one another for the attack. The International Atomic

11 months ago

Ukraine

Germany: Police charge suspect in Halle bomb-making case

Police in the eastern city of Halle have charged a 36-year-old with illegal use of explosives. Police said the man was drunk and shouting xenophobic slurs while threatening people with a toy

11 months ago

World

Germany: Hundreds at solidarity march after synagogue attack

Hundreds of Oldenburg residents turned out in support of the Jewish community Sunday after an arson attack at a local synagogue on Friday. Jewish representatives thanked neighbors for their support. Several hundred

11 months ago

Society

Ecuador: US, Spain, Honduras slam Mexico embassy raid

International leaders called out the violation of Vienna treaties where premises of diplomatic missions are considered “inviolable” after Ecuadorian police raided the Mexican embassy in Quito to make an arrest. The international

11 months ago

World

Greece raises wildfire alert amid early blazes

Greece has raised a wildfire alert to its second-highest level after dozens of blazes broke out over the weekend. They come following a record warm winter in the country. Greece on Sunday raised

11 months ago

Earth & Climate

Poland votes in local elections test for Tusk

Poles have voted in local elections seen as being a test of the public mood under a new liberal government. Premier Donald Tusk is seeking confirmation of support for his pro-European course.

11 months ago

Politics

Kosovo begins first census in over ten years

The nationwide vote is costing millions but ethnic tensions could undercut efforts to provide accurate figures. Kosovo started its first nationwide census in over a decade on Friday, including a survey of the ethnic

11 months ago

World

Germany: Many far-right extremists licensed to own arms

The German government says more than 1,000 members of far-right groups still have permission to own firearms. This comes as the domestic intelligence chief has warned of rising numbers of extremists in

11 months ago

World

Europol maps out 821 ‘most threatening’ crime groups

Europol has compiled details on hundreds of criminal networks posing a “pervasive and complex” threat to the continent. The agency says it lifts a veil of secrecy that has allowed illegal operations

11 months ago

World

South Korean president casts ballot in early voting

South Korea is holding two days of early voting ahead of April 10 parliamentary elections. President Yoon Suk-yeol is hoping his ruling party will retake a majority in the assembly. Many South

11 months ago

Politics

Muhammad Ali’s ‘Thrilla in Manila’ trunks up for auction

The shorts that were worn by boxing champion Muhammad Ali during his historic fight with Joe Frazier are poised to sell for $6 million. The trunks worn by boxing legend Muhammad Ali in his

11 months ago

World

Chinese subsidies endanger world economy, says US’ Yellen

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has said that China’s subsidy-fueled “overcapacity” could overload the global market. Beijing has dismissed such concerns in the past. US Treasury chief Janet Yellen on Friday warned that China’s

11 months ago

Innovations

Ecuador declares Mexico ambassador persona non grata

The envoy was told to leave due to what Ecuador called “unfortunate” comments from the Mexican president AMLO about the South American country’s elections last year. Ecuador on Thursday declared Mexico’s ambassador to

11 months ago

Politics

Los Angeles police investigate $30 million Easter heist

The cash was stolen out of a facility in the northern Los Angeles suburb of Sylmar over the weekend. It was unclear how the thieves managed to bypass the building’s alarm system.

11 months ago

Innovations

France: Strasbourg attack suspect jailed for 30 years

An accomplice of the 2018 Strasbourg Christmas market attack was sentenced for supplying the main perpetrator with weapons. The attack had left five people dead and 11 wounded in the French city.

11 months ago

World

Israel-Hamas war: Biden warns cease-fire is ‘essential’

US policy on Gaza will depend on Israel reducing harm to civilians, President Joe Biden told Benjamin Netanyahu. Meanwhile, Israel has reopened some aid routes into Gaza. US President Joe Biden spoke

11 months ago

World

Iran: 5 border guards killed in clashes with gunmen

At least five Iranian security force members were killed during clashes with gunmen who opened fire on two sites linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps, according to state media. At least five Iranian

11 months ago

Innovations

Taiwan: Rescue operations continue after major earthquake

Many residents in the worst-hit city of Hualien spend the night outdoors in a tent on a sports ground as a series of more than 300 aftershocks followed the worst quake to

11 months ago

World

Myanmar junta says drones shot down over capital

Myanmar’s leadership says drones have been shot down over the capital, Naypyitaw. The attack comes with the ruling military junta fighting battles on several fronts against ethnic insurgents. The military junta on Thursday

11 months ago

World

Ukraine updates: Deadly drones strike Kharkiv residents

Four people killed and 12 wounded due to overnight Shahed drone attacks on Kharkiv. Meanwhile, mass cases of cholera have been reported among children in Mariupol. Four people were killed and 12 wounded

11 months ago

Ukraine

Germany probes over 400 police due to far-right views

Hundreds of German police officers are under investigation over links with right-wing extremist or conspiracist ideology, a media report says. There are more than 400 investigations into far-right extremist attitudes or beliefs in conspiracy

11 months ago

Politics

Iran: Five border guards killed in clashes with gunmen

At least five Iranian security force members were killed during clashes with gunmen who opened fire on two sites linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps, according to state media. At least five Iranian

11 months ago

World

Peru: PM wins confidence vote amid Rolexgate scandal

Congress has backed new Prime Minister Gustavo Adrianzen after he asked for a vote of confidence over a scandal involving the president’s Rolex collection. Peru lawmakers gave their support to the Cabinet of new

11 months ago

Innovations

WhatsApp back up after outages around the world

Tens of thousands of WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook users in the US, India and other countries had been unable to access the popular platforms. WhatsApp later reported the service was back. Users

11 months ago

Society

Finland: Bullying motive in school shooting, police say

A 12-year-old boy is suspected of killing a classmate in a shooting at a primary school in the Finnish city of Vantaa. Police have not yet commented on whether he planned to

11 months ago

World

South Africa speaker resigns amid corruption probe

Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula is accused of soliciting bribes during her time as defense minister before she became the speaker of parliament. The resignation comes ahead of a general election scheduled for late May.

11 months ago

World

Bavarian police go pantless in uniform protest

A German police union released a video to express frustration over the dearth of uniforms. It says a lack of respect for those in uniform is leaving cops in the southern state

11 months ago

World

German car industry regains some confidence

German carmakers are seeing the future in a rosier light than last month, a leading economic institute says. Positive developments regarding exports to the US and China are a major factor driving

12 months ago

Business

Eurozone inflation drops faster than predicted in March

Consumer prices in the eurozone went down further in March than economists expected. But analysts are still not predicting an immediate cut in interest rates from the European Central Bank. The annual

12 months ago

Business

Top Ugandan court upholds anti-gay law

Uganda’s Constitutional Court has rejected a bid to overturn its 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act. Uganda’s Constitutional Court on Wednesday upheld an anti-gay law that has caused widespread outrage in much of the rest of the world for its severity.   “We

12 months ago

World

Thailand: Top court to hear case to dissolve reformist party

The Move Forward Party won a shocking victory in last year’s election, pledging to reform strict royal defamation laws. Thailand’s Constitutional Court has accepted a petition from the country’s Electoral Commission (EC)

12 months ago

World

Ukraine updates: Russia says enlistment up after attack

The Russian Defense Ministry has said that army recruitment has increased since the attack on a Moscow concert in March. Meanwhile, Ukraine has said it shot done more Russian drones.  The Russian

12 months ago

Ukraine

South Koreans bid farewell to beloved panda Fu Bao

Fu Bao, a giant panda who became an internet sensation in South Korea, is being sent to a Chinese breeding program. Her two younger sisters who were born last year, will remain

12 months ago

Earth & Climate

North Korea says it tested new solid-fuel hypersonic missile

Kim Jong Un oversaw the launch and says the success of the launch means North Korea can build nuclear-capable systems for missiles of all ranges. North Korea tested a new hypersonic intermediate-range missile

12 months ago

World

Ukraine: NATO ministers debate €100 billion military fund

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg has reportedly floated a €100 billion package over five years, which foreign ministers meeting in Brussels are set to discuss. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg has proposed military support for Ukraine worth

12 months ago

World

US Republicans introduce bill to name airport after Trump

US Republican Representative Guy Reschenthaler has filed legislation to rename the Dulles International Airport in Virginia as “Donald J. Trump International Airport.” Congressional Democrats have mocked the idea. Republicans in the US

12 months ago

Innovations

Biden speaks with Xi on Taiwan and AI

US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke over the phone on Tuesday, marking their first conversation since November. The two leaders discussed Taiwan, artificial intelligence and security issues. The call comes ahead of weeks of high-level

12 months ago

Politics

Finland: One dead in primary school shooting

The police said the victims of the shooting incident in the city of Vantaa were children, one of whom was later confirmed to have died. The suspect, also a minor, was later

12 months ago

World

Germany: ‘Reichsbürger’ plot trial date set

Legal proceedings against a network of so-called “Reichsbürger” will begin in Frankfurt on May 21. The extreme-right conspiracists are accused of planning a coup d’état to overthrow the Federal German government. The

12 months ago

Politics

Belarus conducts military drills near Ukraine, EU border

Through the three-day long drills, Belarus aims to train its troops to defend their regions. Belarus on Tuesday began military drills in areas near the border of Ukraine, Lithuania and Poland, the Belarusian Defense Ministry said. The

12 months ago

World

North Korea launched ballistic missile, says South Korea

The suspected ballistic missile appeared to fall outside of Japan’s exclusive economic zone and prompted Fumio Kishida to condemn North Korea’s military actions. North Korea test-fired a ballistic missile into the sea off

12 months ago

World

Peru: Six ministers resign amid president’s corruption probe

President Dina Boluarte is being investigated for illicit enrichment, over her ownership of luxury watches. The resigning ministers include the interior minister, who launched a search into her home and office. Peruvian President

12 months ago

Politics

DR Congo appoints 1st female prime minister

Former planning minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka has been tapped as the next prime minister of Congo. She steps into the role at a time of worsening violence in eastern DRC. The president

12 months ago

Politics