Meloni slams Italy’s ‘enemies’ after clashes jolt Olympic host Milan

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned anti-Olympics protesters as “enemies of Italy” after clashes in Milan and sabotage on the national rail network disrupted travel on the first full day of competition at the Winter Games co-hosted by Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. Police used water cannon to disperse crowds after parts of a demonstration in Italy’s financial capital turned violent last night. An estimated 10,000 people took to the streets over housing costs and environmental concerns linked to the Games,…

President Museveni Awards Son Muhoozi Uganda’s Second-Highest Military Medal

KABALE, Uganda — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has awarded his son, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Kabalega Star Medal, Uganda’s second-highest military decoration, citing his leadership in operations in Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan. Museveni conferred the honor Friday during the 45th Tarehe Sita anniversary celebrations at Kabale National Teachers’ College in southwestern Uganda, held under the theme “Defending the Gains of the Revolution and Honouring the Sacrifice.” The Kabalega Star,…

Ukraine seeks to hasten peace talks, insists only Trump can broker deal

Ukraine’s foreign minister said only U.S. President Donald Trump can close a deal to end the war with Russia and urged an in-person summit between Presidents Volodymyr Zelensky and Vladimir Putin to settle the most sensitive points still blocking a cease-fire. “Only Trump can stop the war,” Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha told Reuters in an interview in Kyiv, arguing that what remains of a 20-point peace framework must be decided at the leaders’ level. He said Kyiv wants to accelerate U.S.-brokered negotiations while momentum…

Puntland State and Federal Officials Attend Clan Ceremony Together in Somalia’s Mudug

Somali federal, Puntland State officials share stage in Galdogob as new clan chief is inaugurated Sunday, February 8, 2026 GALDOGOB, Somalia — Senior officials from Somalia’s federal government and the Puntland State administration appeared together in public for the first time in years on Sunday during the inauguration of a traditional clan leader in Galdogob district, signaling a tentative easing of tensions while underscoring the political weight of customary authority. Puntland State President Said Abdullahi Deni sat…

Voting opens in Portugal’s presidential runoff as second round begins

Portugal votes in presidential run-off as storms batter country; far right’s Ventura trails Socialist Seguro Portugal began voting Sunday in the second round of a presidential election overshadowed by powerful Atlantic storms, with far-right leader Andre Ventura facing Socialist candidate Antonio Jose Seguro in a run-off closely watched for the far right’s share of the vote. Polling stations opened at 8 a.m., with about 11 million voters at home and abroad eligible to cast ballots. First exit polls are expected around 8 p.m.…

Trump denounces, refuses to apologize for racist social media post

President Donald Trump on Friday condemned but declined to apologize for a video posted from his social media account that depicted former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama as apes — a dehumanizing trope that drew swift, bipartisan backlash and forced the White House into an unusual retreat. The minute-long clip, shared late Thursday on Trump’s Truth Social account, amplified false claims that his 2020 defeat stemmed from election fraud. Near its end, the video spliced in what appeared to be an…

Trump denounces but refuses to apologize for racist social media post

Trump condemns but won’t apologize after White House deletes racist video depicting Obamas as apes President Donald Trump on Friday condemned but declined to apologize for a video posted to his Truth Social account that depicted Barack and Michelle Obama as apes — an AI-style clip that drew swift, bipartisan outrage before the White House deleted it roughly 12 hours after it appeared. The minute-long video, shared late Thursday, amplified false claims that Trump’s 2020 defeat was the result of election fraud. Near its end, a…

Somalia defies foreign pressure on North Western State of Somalia, pledges to safeguard national unity

Somalia warns against foreign pressure on North Western State of Somalia talks, alleges interference MOGADISHU — Somalia will pursue dialogue to resolve differences with North Western State of Somalia but will reject any pressure or foreign interference that threatens its unity and territorial integrity, the country’s minister of state for foreign affairs said. In an interview aired Saturday on Al Jazeera’s Al-Masaaiya program, Ali Mohamed Omar Balcad said Mogadishu’s policy toward North Western State of Somalia is anchored…

US TV host Savannah Guthrie vows to pay ransom for mother’s return

Savannah Guthrie pleads for mother’s return as Arizona kidnapping probe widens U.S. television news host Savannah Guthrie said in a social media video that her family is willing to pay to secure the return of her mother, Nancy Guthrie, after authorities concluded the 84-year-old was kidnapped in Arizona. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department said investigators have determined that Nancy Guthrie was taken against her will but have not identified any suspects or persons of interest. The FBI and the Sheriff’s Department said…

Somalia’s Mohamud Condemns Israeli Interference, Rejects Military Base in North Western State of Somalia

Somalia’s president vows to block any Israeli base in North Western State of Somalia, calls recognition ‘illegal’ MOGADISHU — Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud condemned Israel’s decision to recognize North Western State of Somalia and vowed to prevent any Israeli military footprint in the breakaway region, warning the move threatens regional stability and international norms. In an interview with Al Jazeera broadcast Saturday, Mohamud said Somalia “will never allow” an Israeli base in North Western State of Somalia…