Top stories
1. Russia strikes Kyiv bridge as German chancellor visits Ukraine in show of support
A Russian drone hit Kyiv’s Northern Bridge over the Dnipro River, the fourth straight day of strikes on bridges used by commuters. The attack occurred shortly after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived on an unannounced visit to show Germany’s support for Ukraine.
Source: The Guardian World
2. Government forces seize capital of Ethiopia’s Tigray region from rebels - Reuters
Ethiopian government forces seized Mekelle, the capital of the Tigray region, from Tigray People’s Liberation Front rebels, marking a turning point in weeks of fighting. The rebels had defied a surrender ultimatum, and international bodies urged protection of civilians.
Source: Reuters World (via Google News)
3. Yemen’s government announces all-out war to reclaim land from Houthis
Yemen’s president has announced an all-out war to reclaim land from the Houthis. The announcement comes amid an exchange of strikes between the Houthis and the Saudi-led coalition.
Source: BBC World
World news
1. EXCLUSIVE: Saudi Arabia quietly shelving NEOM Stadium, one of 2034 World Cup venues - Reuters
Reuters exclusively reports that Saudi Arabia is quietly shelving NEOM Stadium, one of the planned venues for the 2034 World Cup. The move could affect preparations for the tournament and the kingdom’s broader NEOM development.
Source: Reuters World (via Google News)
2. UK car industry faces ‘difficult trade-off’ between Chinese and EU markets
The UK car industry is weighing a difficult trade-off between Chinese and EU markets. Britain is under pressure to impose tariffs on cheap Chinese vehicle imports, even as looming measures could restrict its exports to the EU.
Source: The Guardian World
3. Iranian rial at new low, as cenbank sells dollars to support currency - Reuters
The Iranian rial fell to a new record low, prompting the central bank to sell dollars to support the currency, Reuters reported. The move highlights continued pressure on Iran’s currency.
Source: Reuters World (via Google News)
4. Britain scraps heavily criticised plans to curb jury trials after backlash - Reuters
Britain has scrapped plans to curb jury trials after a backlash. The heavily criticised proposals had drawn opposition from legal figures and the public. Reuters reported.
Source: Reuters World (via Google News)
5. Australia and Turkey criticised for hosting UN climate conference while embracing coal
Campaign group 350.org has urged Cop31 hosts Turkey and Australia to set a coal phase-out date and national fossil-fuel exit roadmaps. The two countries face criticism for being part of the coal supply chain while staying largely silent on the need for a rapid global shift away from fossil fuels.
Source: The Guardian World
6. US marine arrested in Japan on suspicion of killing woman, police say
A US Marine stationed on Okinawa has been arrested on suspicion of murdering a 39-year-old Japanese woman at a hotel in Naha and stealing her wallet and backpack. Japan’s prime minister called the crime “exceptionally brutal and vicious”.
Source: The Guardian World
7. Flydubai co-pilot’s time in Australia being investigated by security agencies after alleged cockpit attack
Australian security agencies are investigating the flydubai co-pilot’s roughly two-year stay in the country as a student. He allegedly tried to hijack an Israel-bound flight; passengers and crew stopped the cockpit attack on Wednesday, and police confirmed the inquiry.
Source: The Guardian World
8. Egyptian journalist faces terrorism charges after entire newsroom detained
An Egyptian journalist has been charged with joining a terrorist group after six staff from the independent platform Matsadaash were detained last week. One has been charged, while the whereabouts of the other five remain unknown. Rights groups call it a crackdown on press freedoms and demand their release.
Source: The Guardian World
9. Would slashing migration tank the economy or reset Australia’s living standards? Canada may offer clues
Canada’s annual population growth has slowed to 0.5%, and its economy is adjusting. Australia’s Labor and One Nation offer opposing views on whether cutting net overseas migration would wreck the economy or reset living standards.
Source: The Guardian World
10. Why Canada is wargaming a (long shot) US invasion
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said the military is running scenarios for the unlikely case of a US invasion of Canada. He did not provide further details.
Source: BBC World
11. US Coast Guard finds debris from missing medical aircraft off Nantucket - Reuters
The US Coast Guard has found debris from a medical aircraft reported missing off Nantucket, according to Reuters. No further details were immediately available.
Source: Reuters World (via Google News)
12. More than 400 schools in France to be closed on Monday as more protests planned
France’s education minister said 24 schools have been burned or ransacked and 78 staff injured since student unrest began last month. With security conditions unmet, 400 to 500 schools will fully or partially close on Monday as authorities brace for another week of protests.
Source: The Guardian World