NATION

‎Israel has launched a sweeping military offensive against Iran under the name Operation Rising Lion, targeting key nuclear facilities, ballistic missile sites, and senior Iranian military figures. The Israeli military described the strikes as the beginning of a prolonged campaign aimed at neutralizing what it calls an existential threat posed by Iran’s nuclear ambitions. ‎ ‎ Israel launches Operation Rising Lion, striking Iran’s nuclear sites, killing top commanders, and triggering fears of Middle East escalation. ‎The Associated Press ‎ ‎More than 200 Israeli fighter jets bombed over 100 locations across Iran, including the Natanz uranium enrichment facility, multiple missile production factories, and military command centers in Tehran. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the deaths of high-ranking Iranian officials, including Hossein Salami, commander of the Revolutionary Guards, the chief of staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, and the commander of Iran’s Emergency...

‎Former President Donald Trump’s reinstatement of a sweeping travel ban has reignited a familiar storm of controversy. The new proclamation, signed late Wednesday night, blocks individuals from 12 countries—including Afghanistan, Iran, and Libya—from entering the United States starting at 12:01 a.m. Monday. In addition to these full bans, seven other nations face heightened entry restrictions. Trump has justified the move as necessary to protect national security, but the broader implications raise urgent questions: What happens if countries refuse to comply with Trump’s rules? ‎ ‎ President Donald Trump speaks during a summer soiree on the South Lawn of the White House, Wednesday, June 4, 2025, in Washington. ‎AP Photo/Alex Brandon ‎ ‎The Foundations of the Ban ‎ ‎The latest directive stems from a January 20 executive order instructing the Departments of State and Homeland Security, along with the Director of National Intelligence, to identify countries deemed security thr...

‎A high-profile voice from the heart of Washington is calling for a seismic political shift. Karine Jean-Pierre, former White House press secretary and senior communications official under both Presidents Obama and Biden, is urging Americans to “embrace life as independents”—a bold statement that challenges the very foundation of the nation’s political identity. ‎ Karine Jean-Pierre’s new book “Independent” urges voters to rethink U.S. party lines and details Biden’s 2024 exit and Democratic rifts. ‎NurPhoto via Getty Images ‎ ‎Her forthcoming book, Independent: A Look Inside a Broken White House, Outside the Party Lines, promises an unfiltered insider account of how partisanship, internal conflict, and institutional disillusionment led her to walk away from the Democratic Party. Set to be released this October by Hachette’s Legacy Lit imprint, the book is being described as a “groundbreaking, revelatory assessment of America’s broken two-party system.” ‎ ‎Why This Message ...

‎Starbucks, the $111 billion coffee giant known for its global cafés and signature beverages, is looking to fill a very different kind of role—one that trades coffee counters for cockpits. The company is now hiring a corporate pilot to operate its private jet, offering a top-tier salary that could soar up to $360,000 annually, placing it far above the average commercial aviation job. ‎ ‎ Starbucks is hiring a corporate jet pilot for $360K. See the elite requirements, executive perks, and how it compares to typical barista pay. ‎YakobchukOlena/Getty Images ‎ ‎Unlike a typical barista gig, this position comes with rigorous requirements and a host of elite responsibilities. The hired Starbucks pilot will not only be responsible for directing preflight planning, evaluating safety risk factors, and managing flight operations, but also serving as a brand ambassador both in the air and on the ground. ‎ ‎To even qualify, applicants must carry a valid Airline Transport Pilot certifi...

‎Medical professionals are raising alarms after a rare but deadly complication linked to COVID-19 tragically claimed the life of an 8-year-old girl in China. The young patient, who initially showed no clear COVID symptoms, developed acute necrotising encephalopathy (ANE)—a rare neurological disorder—just days after unknowingly contracting the virus. ‎ ‎ Experts warn of a rare, fatal COVID brain complication in kids after an 8-year-old girl dies from acute necrotising encephalopathy. ‎ CDC ‎ ‎According to a detailed case report published in the journal BMC Infectious Diseases, the child presented with a mild fever, vomiting, and a rash, symptoms that initially failed to trigger a COVID-19 test. As her condition rapidly deteriorated, she began suffering seizures that left her foaming at the mouth and with stiff, shaking limbs—hallmarks of a tonic-clonic seizure. ‎ ‎Doctors at Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Centre later confirmed the presence of COVID-19 in her saliva....

‎Australia is bracing for a harsh winter viral season as health experts sound the alarm over an early and aggressive surge of three major respiratory illnesses: COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The warning comes amid a steep rise in flu cases and the continued spread of a highly infectious COVID-19 variant, LP.8.1. ‎ Triple virus surge hits Australia: COVID-19, flu & RSV cases spike. Experts urge vaccination before winter peaks. Act now for protection. ‎Shutterstock Images  ‎ ‎More than 80,000 flu infections have been confirmed nationwide this year up to May 22—representing a more than 50% increase compared to the same period in 2024. The data, sourced from the Australian Government’s national flu dashboard, shows New South Wales leading with over 31,000 cases, followed by Queensland and Victoria. ‎ ‎“We’re dealing with an early wave of significantly infectious virus diseases,” said infectious diseases expert Professor Paul Griffin. “When ...

‎In just two years since Florida became the first state to regulate cellphone use in schools in 2023, a wave of bipartisan momentum has swept across the country. Today, 25 states have enacted laws aimed at limiting student cellphone access during the school day — a shift driven by mounting evidence that phones disrupt learning and negatively impact student well-being. ‎ ‎ Half of U.S. states now regulate cellphones in schools: A growing movement to curb distractions and protect mental health. ‎Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul ‎ ‎The rapid expansion of these laws in states as politically and geographically diverse as New York, Georgia, Oklahoma, and Alaska highlights a rare consensus: cellphones are harming children’s education, mental health, and social development. ‎ ‎"This is not just an academic bill. This is a mental health bill. It’s a public safety bill," said Georgia Republican Rep. Scott Hilton, echoing a sentiment expressed by Connecticut Democ...

‎The boxing world is mourning the devastating loss of Georgia O’Connor, a rising British boxing talent who tragically passed away at the age of 25 after a courageous battle with cancer. ‎ ‎Georgia O'Connor celebrating her 2nd professional victory. ‎georgiaoconnor_1/IG ‎ ‎O’Connor, originally from Durham, was diagnosed with cancer in October 2024. Despite the illness, she remained an emblem of strength and determination, continuing to inspire fans and fellow athletes alike. ‎ ‎A decorated amateur, O’Connor won gold for England at the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games and proudly represented Team GB on multiple international stages. She turned professional with BOXXER and held a perfect 3-0 record, showcasing tremendous potential. One of her most high-profile appearances came when she fought on the undercard of the Claressa Shields vs. Savannah Marshall bout at the O2 Arena in London in 2022. ‎ ‎Just two weeks before her untimely passing, O’Connor posted on Instagram revealin...

‎Diplomatic tensions between the United States and South Africa have reached a critical point. The recent Oval Office meeting between President Donald Trump and President Cyril Ramaphosa was intended to mend ties—but instead laid bare deep disagreements on race, land reform, and geopolitics. ‎ U.S. President Donald Trump and South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa. ‎Andrew Harnik/Getty Images; Chris McGrath/Getty Images ‎ ‎Below are the 7 main reasons behind the growing rift between the two nations: ‎ ‎1. Trump’s “White Genocide” Allegations ‎ ‎President Trump continues to push the controversial and widely debunked claim that white South African farmers are victims of a state-sponsored genocide. During the Oval Office meeting, he played video footage of violent rhetoric allegedly directed at white landowners. President Ramaphosa firmly denied the narrative, insisting the claims misrepresent the realities of crime and inequality in the country. ‎ ‎2. Land Expropriation Withou...

Former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones, according to an official statement released Sunday. ‎ ‎Former U.S. President Joe Biden at a conference hosted by the Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled on April 15 in Chicago. ‎Scott Olson/Getty Images ‎ ‎Here are the seven most important things to know about his condition: ‎ ‎1. Diagnosis Confirmed After Hospital Visit in Philadelphia ‎ ‎President Biden was evaluated at a Philadelphia hospital last week due to increased urinary symptoms. A “small nodule” on his prostate prompted further testing. ‎ ‎2. Cancer Type and Gleason Score Explained ‎ ‎Biden’s prostate cancer has been classified with a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) — indicating a highly aggressive tumor. The Gleason scale ranks cancer severity from 1 to 10. ‎ ‎3. Cancer Has Spread to the Bone (Metastasis) ‎ ‎The cancer has already metastasized to the bone, which compli...

A tragic maritime accident unfolded in New York City Saturday evening as the Mexican Navy’s training vessel Cuauhtémoc collided with the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, killing two crew members and injuring at least 19 others, according to Mayor Eric Adams. ‎ Mexican Navy ship Cuauhtémoc crashes into Brooklyn Bridge: 2 dead, 19 injured. Power loss blamed. NYC warns public to avoid affected areas. ‎AP ‎ ‎The Cuauhtémoc, a 297-foot-long sailing ship used for naval cadet training, was on a goodwill mission with 277 individuals aboard when it lost power and struck the underside of the bridge. The ship’s towering masts clipped the structure, snapping and crashing onto the deck where crew members were stationed. ‎ ‎Footage of the incident shows the dramatic moment the vessel’s rigging made contact with the Brooklyn Bridge as stunned onlookers along the South Street Seaport and Brooklyn’s DUMBO district fled the waterfront in panic. Emergency responders quickly descended on the scene, and...

‎Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff and a member of the Augustinian order, has laid out a clear moral and diplomatic vision for his papacy. Addressing ambassadors from more than 180 nations accredited to the Holy See, the pope reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s unwavering commitment to family, the sanctity of life, and the global pursuit of peace. ‎ ‎' Pope Leo XIV. ' ‎AP ‎ ‎“The family is founded on the stable union between a man and a woman,” he declared, reasserting the Church’s traditional doctrine on marriage. He further emphasized the dignity of all human life, especially the unborn and the elderly, calling each “a creation of God” deserving of protection. ‎ ‎The message, delivered during the customary post-conclave meeting with the Vatican diplomatic corps, serves as a clear articulation of Catholic teaching on moral and social issues and marks a continuity with his predecessors. ‎ ‎Turning to international affairs, Pope Leo appealed to world leaders for ...

‎The fragile peace between nuclear-armed neighbors India and Pakistan has shattered once again, with fresh military strikes intensifying fears of an uncontrollable regional conflict. ‎ ‎ India-Pakistan tensions erupt after Kashmir massacre, with missile strikes, retaliation, and rising fears of full-scale conflict . ‎AP ‎ ‎The latest escalation was triggered by a deadly attack last month on tourists in the scenic Pahalgam region of Indian-administered Kashmir, killing 26 civilians. In retaliation, India launched a sweeping military operation, dubbed Operation Sindoor, striking what it claimed were "terrorist infrastructures" in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. ‎ ‎On Saturday, Pakistan’s military accused India of launching missiles at strategic military sites, including Nur Khan Air Base near Islamabad, a facility frequently used by high-ranking officials and foreign dignitaries. Pakistani military spokesperson Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry confirmed th...

In a landmark moment for the Catholic Church and U.S. religious history, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the next pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. His election on the second day of conclave proceedings marks the first time an American has been chosen to lead the 1.3 billion-strong global Catholic community. ‎ Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, Robert Prevost arrives on the main central loggia balcony of the St Peter's Basilica for the first time, after the cardinals ended the conclave, in The Vatican, on May 8, 2025. ‎Alberto Pizzoli/AFP—Getty Images ‎ ‎The 69-year-old prelate, originally from Chicago, brings a deeply international perspective to the papacy. Though born in the United States, Prevost has spent decades serving abroad—most notably in Peru, where he became a respected bishop, and later in Rome, where he has held several high-ranking roles within the Vatican Curia. ‎ ‎The conclave, held under strict secrecy in the Sistine Chapel, concluded sw...

‎Vincent Kompany has defied the critics and ended one of modern football’s strangest narratives — Harry Kane, the great striker cursed never to win a trophy. On a dramatic Bundesliga Sunday, Bayern Munich sealed their 34th German title after Bayer Leverkusen stumbled to a draw at Freiburg, confirming the Bavarians as champions with two games to spare. ‎ ‎' Harry Kane. ' ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎For Kane, it’s the end of a long and winding wait. For Kompany, it’s vindication. ‎ ‎Few gave the Belgian a chance when he stepped into the Allianz Arena last May. Fresh off a dismal Premier League relegation campaign with Burnley, his appointment was met with widespread skepticism — including thinly veiled digs from former boss Sean Dyche. Bayern’s failed pursuit of elite names like Xabi Alonso and Julian Nagelsmann left Kompany as an unexpected solution. But the club's sporting director, Max Eberl, believed in his vision and pedigree, and that faith has been emphatically...

‎Barcelona may soon be at a crossroads. According to reports from Fichajes, Premier League champions Liverpool are preparing a €40 million bid to sign Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong — a move that could force a difficult decision at the Camp Nou. ‎ ‎' Frenkie de Jong. ' ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎New Liverpool manager Arne Slot, fresh off guiding the Reds to a title-winning campaign, is eager to reshape his midfield around players he trusts. Frenkie de Jong, a player Slot knows well from their shared Dutch football roots, has emerged as a prime target to orchestrate his vision. ‎ ‎Despite being under contract with Barcelona until 2026, De Jong’s name has surfaced once again in transfer discussions. The driving force behind this renewed interest? Barcelona’s persistent financial woes. The Catalan club’s delicate economic situation has made them more receptive to sizable offers — and €40 million is nothing to ignore. ‎ ‎Key to Slot’s Strategy ‎Liverpool’s midfield alrea...

‎In a groundbreaking move aimed at reshaping the Nigerian financial landscape, Sterling Bank has launched AlwaysOn, a new feature granting select customers access to up to ₦1 million monthly—regardless of their account balance. Introduced on May 1, 2025, AlwaysOn is the latest chapter in Sterling Bank’s mission to empower Nigerians financially during uncertain times. ‎ AJ_Watt/Getty Images ‎ ‎Designed as an exclusive, invitation-only feature, AlwaysOn is available to customers who maintain an active OneBank account over a certain period. According to the bank, it is not merely a product but a fundamental shift in how Sterling engages with its customers. Sterling Bank CEO, Abubakar Suleiman, emphasized that the feature reflects the bank's commitment to “freedom and dignity,” offering users the trust and flexibility to act decisively when opportunities or emergencies arise. ‎ ‎“This isn’t about credit; it’s about backing our customers when it matters most,” said Suleiman....

‎Real Madrid’s decorated manager Carlo Ancelotti is reportedly preparing for a new chapter in his illustrious coaching career, with The Athletic reporting that the Italian tactician will step down at the end of the 2023–24 season to become the next head coach of Brazil’s national team. ‎ ‎ Carlo Ancelotti to exit Real Madrid in June, set to become Brazil's next head coach after a decorated second stint with Los Blancos. ‎Getty Images  ‎ ‎Ancelotti has allegedly informed members of the Real Madrid dressing room of his intention to depart after the current campaign concludes. Though his contract runs through 2026, sources suggest he will not continue beyond June, opting instead to embark on an international venture with Brazil. ‎ ‎The move marks a significant shift for Ancelotti, who has experienced immense success in his second spell with Los Blancos. Since returning to the Spanish capital in 2021, he has guided Madrid to numerous trophies, including a Champions League t...

Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou has been involved in a tragic motorcycle accident that resulted in the death of a 17-year-old girl. According to multiple Cameroonian news outlets including Camer.be, Lebledparle, and Actu Cameroun, the incident occurred in the Omnisports District of Yaoundé, the capital of his native Cameroon. ' Francis Ngannou. ' Getty Images  ‎ ‎Local reports indicate that Ngannou, 38, was riding a motorbike when he collided with the teenage girl, who sustained severe injuries to her arm and leg. The girl was rushed to Yaoundé General Hospital but tragically succumbed to her injuries. ‎ ‎Francis Ngannou, who is reportedly physically unharmed, is said to be “devastated” following the fatal crash. Though he has not yet issued a public statement, reports suggest that the fighter has paid for the girl's medical expenses. ‎ ‎Ngannou, known for his love of motorcycles, has previously spoken about the therapeutic role riding plays in h...