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The United Kingdom has expelled a Russian diplomat and a diplomatic spouse in response to Moscow’s earlier expulsion of two British embassy staff. The UK Foreign Office summoned Russian Ambassador Andrei Kelin to convey this decision, citing an “increasingly aggressive and coordinated campaign of harassment” against British diplomats. Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated that the UK will not tolerate the Kremlin’s intimidation or threats to its security. This diplomatic exchange follows heightened tensions since the 2018 poisoning incident in Salisbury and the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. — Yemen’s Houthi rebels have declared that any Israeli vessel in regional waters is now a target, citing Israel’s blockade of aid to Gaza. This warning threatens key maritime routes and could disrupt aid shipments to conflict zones. The Houthis previously targeted over 100 merchant vessels between November 2023 and January 2025, resulting in significant damage and casualties. The U.S. military remains vigilant, with the USS Harry S. Truman currently patrolling the Red Sea. — The International Monetary Fund has approved a $1.2 billion disbursement to Egypt after completing its fourth review of the country’s economic reform program. Additionally, Egypt will access $1.3 billion under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility. Despite these financial aids, Egyptians face rising inflation, with recent hikes in fuel prices and a devaluation of the Egyptian pound. The government announced an increase in the minimum monthly wage for public sector workers, effective from July, to alleviate economic pressures. — The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals has halted the execution of David Leonard Wood, who has spent over 30 years on death row for the killings of six young women near El Paso. Wood, scheduled for execution this week, maintains his innocence and claims intellectual disability, rendering him ineligible for execution. This stay follows previous pauses in his execution and ongoing debates over DNA evidence. The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles recently declined his bid for commutation, leaving unresolved questions about Wood’s role in the crimes. — The Trump administration has resumed military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine after a temporary suspension intended to pressure Kyiv into peace talks with Russia. Following discussions in Saudi Arabia, Ukraine expressed willingness for a 30-day ceasefire, contingent on Russia’s agreement. The U.S. plans to present this proposal to the Kremlin, which has traditionally sought more permanent solutions without compromise. The conflict continues to impose heavy casualties and material losses on both sides. — A woman who accused former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson of raping her in a limousine in 1991 has dropped her lawsuit. Tyson’s attorney confirmed the plaintiff’s voluntary discontinuation of the case, which was filed under New York’s Adult Survivors Act. The plaintiff’s attorneys expressed disappointment over procedural grounds leading to the dismissal but maintained support for their client’s account. Tyson, who denied the allegations, previously served three years in prison for a 1992 rape conviction.

Pakistani insurgents attacked a passenger train in Balochistan province on Tuesday, taking over 100 hostages as the train passed through a tunnel. Security forces engaged in a firefight with the insurgents, who used women and children as human shields. Officials later rescued at least 104 passengers. Balochistan, rich in oil and minerals, has experienced previous attacks by separatist groups claiming discrimination by the central government. — China, Iran, and Russia conducted joint naval drills in the Gulf of Oman near the strategic Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday. The exercises, named Maritime Security Belt 2025, come amid rising tensions between Tehran and the United States over Iran’s expanding nuclear program. The drills included live-fire exercises and featured vessels from Russia and China patrolling a region typically overseen by the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet, based in Bahrain. Observers from countries including Azerbaijan, Iraq, and Pakistan attended the drills, underscoring China and Russia’s support for Iran. — The United States extended its ban on flights to Haiti’s capital until September 8th due to escalating gang violence. This decision follows reports from a U.N. human rights expert indicating that gang violence in Haiti is more dire than ever, with gangs controlling up to 85% of Port-au-Prince. Over one million people have been displaced due to the violence, facing hunger and sexual violence in makeshift camps. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration initially imposed the flight ban in November after gangs opened fire on three commercial planes. — A school bus carrying 31 people overturned on the Garden State Parkway in Montvale, New Jersey, on Monday night, resulting in 15 injuries. The accident prompted a significant emergency response, with visuals showing the bus on its side and the emergency door open. Governor Phil Murphy stated that the situation is under investigation by state police and transportation officials. — The Trump administration announced the resumption of military aid to Ukraine and intelligence sharing with Kyiv after a suspension lasting over a week. This move aims to encourage Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to negotiate peace with Russia. Talks in Saudi Arabia led to Ukraine’s willingness to agree to a 30-day ceasefire, pending the Kremlin’s agreement. The European Union has pledged continued support for Ukraine amid these developments. — President Trump dismissed concerns regarding his planned tariffs on various trading partners, which have raised the possibility of a recession this year. The U.S. stock market reacted negatively, with the S&P 500 experiencing significant losses. Despite market turmoil, the administration remains focused on implementing its trade policies. The President is scheduled to meet with business leaders to discuss the economic outlook amid these developments.

North Korea has launched multiple ballistic missiles into the sea from its southwestern Hwanghae province, coinciding with the start of the annual Freedom Shield military exercises conducted by South Korea and the United States. These drills are perceived by North Korea as rehearsals for invasion. The missile launches mark North Korea’s fifth such event this year. Earlier, North Korea’s Foreign Ministry warned that the joint exercises could trigger “physical conflict” on the Korean Peninsula, reiterating leader Kim Jong Un’s goal of expanding the country’s nuclear capabilities to counter perceived threats from the U.S. and its allies. — Russia has expelled two British diplomats from its embassy in Moscow, accusing them of espionage activities that allegedly threatened national security. The Federal Security Service claims the diplomats provided false information to enter Russia and engaged in intelligence operations, though no evidence was presented. The diplomats have been ordered to leave Russia within two weeks. The UK’s Foreign Office condemned the allegations as “malicious and baseless.” This incident adds to the growing list of diplomatic expulsions since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, with both Western nations and Moscow engaging in reciprocal actions. — Israel continues to cut off electricity supplies to Gaza, impacting a desalination plant that produces drinking water for the region. This action follows Israel’s earlier suspension of goods to Gaza, aiming to pressure Hamas into extending a ceasefire. Hamas condemned the move, labeling it as part of Israel’s “starvation policy.” The reduction in electricity has severely affected Gaza’s infrastructure, which now relies heavily on generators. International bodies have criticized Israel’s actions, citing concerns over potential collective punishment. — A severe thunderstorm in Ennis Texas, resulted in the death of a man and injuries to three family members when their recreational vehicle flipped multiple times at the Texas Motorplex. The storm brought winds reaching up to 90 mph, causing widespread damage in the area south of Dallas. The high winds also tore the roof off a Days Inn along Interstate 45, damaged homes throughout Ellis County, and toppled several semi-trailer trucks on Interstate 35. Power outages affected nearly 20,000 residents, though most have since been restored. — The U.S. Supreme Court has rejected a lawsuit from Republican attorneys general in 19 states aimed at blocking climate change lawsuits against the oil and gas industry filed by Democratic-led states. Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito dissented, stating the case should proceed for further consideration. The climate change lawsuits in question accuse fossil fuel companies of misleading the public about the environmental risks of their products and seek compensation for damages such as severe storms and rising sea levels. — China has imposed a 15% tariff on key American agricultural products, including chicken, pork, soybeans, and beef, in retaliation to President Donald Trump’s decision to double tariffs on Chinese imports to 20%. This escalation in trade tensions has negatively impacted U.S. markets, with investors seeking safer assets. The Chinese tariffs are a direct response to U.S. measures aimed at raising revenue, protecting domestic industries, and pressuring foreign nations. Economists warn that such tariffs could lead to higher consumer prices and reduced economic efficiency. American farmers, particularly vulnerable to these retaliatory actions. —

In a significant political shift, Mark Carney has been elected as Canada’s new Prime Minister, succeeding Justin Trudeau. Carney, a former Governor of the Bank of England, assumes leadership amid escalating trade tensions with the United States. During his acceptance speech, Carney emphasized Canada’s sovereignty, stating the nation “will never be part of America.” He faces immediate challenges, including navigating the ongoing trade war with the U.S. and addressing domestic economic concerns. — Russian military forces have captured three additional settlements in the Kursk region as they intensify efforts to expel Ukrainian troops. This advancement underscores the escalating conflict in the area. The recent territorial gains highlight the ongoing volatility and complexity of the situation in Eastern Europe. International observers continue to monitor the developments closely. — In the Middle East, Israel has reduced electricity supplies to Gaza following Hamas’s refusal to extend the initial phase of a ceasefire agreement. The power cuts have raised humanitarian concerns among international organizations. Ceasefire negotiations remain at a standstill, with mediators urging both parties to resume talks. The situation continues to be precarious, affecting thousands of civilians in the region. — The U.S. Secret Service reported an overnight incident involving an armed individual near the White House. Agents engaged the suspect, resulting in the individual being shot. The area was secured promptly, and an investigation is underway. No further details have been released regarding the suspect’s identity or motive. — The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has announced plans to lay off approximately 1,000 employees in a second round of budget cuts. This decision has sparked concern among environmental advocates. The layoffs are part of broader federal budgetary adjustments. The impact on ongoing research and climate monitoring programs remains uncertain. — In Kentucky, new legislation criminalizing urban camping has been enacted, targeting homelessness in urban areas. To mitigate the law’s impact, a ‘homeless court’ initiative has been introduced to provide alternative resolutions. The legislation has sparked debate among community leaders and advocates. The effectiveness of these measures in addressing homelessness is yet to be evaluated.

Russian forces have intensified aerial assaults on Ukraine for back to back consecutive night, resulting in at least 25 fatalities. Benjamin Wright with the latest. This escalation follows the United States’ decision to cease sharing satellite imagery with Ukraine, a move perceived as an effort by President Donald Trump to pressure Kyiv into accepting a peace agreement with Russia. Polish President Donald Tusk criticized the U.S. action, cautioning against appeasing Russian aggression. — North Korea has unveiled its first nuclear-powered submarine, raising significant security concerns for South Korea and the United States. Joseph Ekerson reports. State media released images showing leader Kim Jong Un inspecting the vessel, though specific details remain limited. Experts suggest the submarine could be capable of carrying nuclear-armed missiles and might become operational within the next two years. — In Syria, over 600 individuals have been killed in two days of intense clashes and retaliatory attacks. The violence erupted between Syrian security forces and supporters of the ousted President Bashar Assad. Sunni Muslim gunmen loyal to the new government launched revenge assaults against Alawites, who were key backers of Assad. Jim Kender reports. — A 14-year-old boy in Newark, New Jersey, has been charged with murder after fatally shooting a police officer and wounding another. Lawrence Keller reports. The incident occurred during an operation targeting illegal weapons activities. Officer Joseph Azcona, 26, was shot before exiting his vehicle, while the second officer sustained non-life-threatening injuries. A severe winter storm has blanketed northern Arizona with heavy snowfall, causing a 15-mile traffic jam on Interstate 40 between Flagstaff and Williams. The accumulation of snow and a two-vehicle accident contributed to the prolonged standstill. Despite one reported injury, no fatalities occurred. Snowfall ranged from a few inches in lower areas to over two feet in regions like Flagstaff. Kyle Norris reporting. — On International Women’s Day, women worldwide rallied to demand equal rights and an end to discrimination and violence. In Istanbul, protesters opposed government restrictions on women’s rights, highlighting Turkey’s withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention. European demonstrations focused on issues like equal pay and healthcare access. Jessica Oakley reporting.

Latest News Headlines – In Tunisia, a high-profile trial has commenced involving 40 individuals, including notable opposition figures, accused of conspiring against state security. Activists and lawyers criticize the trial as politically motivated, alleging it aims to suppress dissent following President Kais Saied’s controversial power consolidation in 2021. The defendants, comprising politicians, diplomats, business leaders, journalists, lawyers, and human rights defenders. — South Korea and Poland have signed a cooperation agreement in Warsaw, strengthening ties in politics, economy, defense, and culture through 2028. This pact aims to enhance transregional security, engaging both Europe and the Indo-Pacific under the NATO-IP4 partnership. Since 2013, both nations have been strategic partners, with South Korea supplying significant military equipment to Poland, aiding in modernizing its armed forces. — The United States is engaging in direct talks with Hamas amid ongoing efforts to maintain a ceasefire in Gaza. Israel has halted the entry of essential supplies to pressure Hamas into accepting alternative ceasefire arrangements and the release of Israeli hostages, a move condemned by rights groups as a “starvation policy.” In the West Bank, Palestinians are evacuating homes slated for demolition by the Israeli military, resulting in the displacement of nearly 40,000 people. — Powerful storms have caused significant disruptions across the United States, with tornado warnings issued in the Carolinas, Florida, and Virginia. These storms have resulted in three fatalities in Mississippi and damaged buildings in Oklahoma. In Texas, high winds and dry conditions have fueled wildfires, destroying several homes and structures. Meanwhile, blizzard conditions have impacted parts of the Midwest, including eastern Nebraska, Iowa, and Minnesota. — The Georgia House has passed House Bill 268, a school safety measure, following a tragic shooting at Apalachee High School in September that resulted in four deaths. The bill, approved by a vote of 159-13, aims to prevent similar incidents by creating a statewide student database that includes disciplinary, mental health, and law enforcement information. Additional provisions include faster transfer of student records and establishment of mental health coordinators. — In Wisconsin, Governor Tony Evers has issued an open letter urging the state’s Republican congressional delegation to oppose proposed federal program cuts. He expressed concerns that such cuts could harm the state’s budget and essential services. Evers specifically called on the delegation to reject reductions to Medicaid and other federal assistance programs, emphasizing the potential negative impact on vulnerable populations.