Jun 19 Capsized boat leaves dozens dead or missing off Libyan coast, monitoring group says By Samy Magdy, Associated Press The Abreen group, which tracks movements of migrants in eastern Libya, says 10 survived the shipwreck that occurred on June 12 in the Mediterranean Sea, off the eastern part of the North African nation. It said that 11 bodies were… Continue reading
Jun 19 Attack on Niger's airport highlights expansion of jihadis into Africa's Sahel region By Wilson McMakin, Chinedu Asadu, Associated Press DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — The gunfire and explosions that ripped through Niger's main international airport are the latest sign of armed groups increasingly targeting cities and urban centers in Africa's Sahel region, where they are competing for influence and territories,… Continue reading
Jun 19 Cambodian Supreme Court upholds incitement conviction of opposition politician By Sopheng Cheang, David Rising, Associated Press Rong Chhun, a senior adviser to the Nation Power Party, was convicted last year of inciting social unrest after meeting villagers displaced by government construction projects. Continue reading
Jun 19 Dragon Boat Festival links modern Chinese cultures to ancient traditions By María Teresa Hernández, Associated Press The holiday, over 2,000 years old, is known for its sporting events, but its origins are rooted in history and beliefs about health and harmony with nature. Continue reading
Jun 19 EU leaders disagree on creation of Kremlin back-channel amid Ukraine war By Sam McNeil, Associated Press A top EU official has set up a tentative back-channel with Russia, despite some leaders' reservations. The Kremlin said on Friday that Russia is open to talks if Europe is ready to listen and not lecture. Continue reading
Jun 19 Vietnamese man deported from U.S. to South Sudan repatriated after year in detention By Joseph Falzetta, Deng Machol, Associated Press Tuan Phan moved to the U.S. as a child in 1991, court documents show. In 2000, shortly after turning eighteen, he received a 25-year prison sentence after he shot and killed someone during a gang altercation. Continue reading
Jun 19 Italy's Meloni pushes back on Trump's 'fabricated' claim as top diplomat cancels U.S. trip By Nicole Winfield, Associated Press Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani abruptly cancelled a planned trip to the United States this weekend, calling Trump’s claims “serious and offensive” toward Meloni and all of Italy. Continue reading
Jun 19 Israel and Hezbollah renew ceasefire after U.S. and Iran call off talks over fighting in Lebanon By ERIN CUNNINGHAM, Jon Gambrell, Aamer Madhani, Associated Press The cancellation of talks raised questions about an initial agreement to end the war in Iran. Officials said Israel and the militant group later agreed to renew their ceasefire. Continue reading
Jun 19 Hegseth appears out of step in criticisms of NATO allies By Lorne Cook, Associated Press U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has criticized NATO allies and announced a Pentagon review of their performance. But Hegseth is mostly telling them things they already know. Continue reading
Jun 19 Starmer plans to take on rival Burnham in challenge for UK Labour leadership By Kwiyeon Ha, Jill Lawless, Associated Press Andy Burnham, a 56-year-old politician nicknamed the King of the North, has emerged as the top contender to replace UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer as leader of the Labour Party and the country. Continue reading