intensifies

Analysis: Macron’s nuclear bet redraws Europe’s security map — and tests its appetite for autonomy Emmanuel Macron stood before a hulking French ballistic-missile submarine in Brest and declared a new nuclear doctrine for Europe. In quieter times, the French leader’s vow to expand France’s arsenal, cease public warhead disclosures and extend a French “nuclear umbrella” over willing European partners would have sparked a week of front pages. Instead, with the United States and Israel waging war on Iran, the significance of…

Oil and gas prices jumped Monday as escalating Iranian strikes across the Middle East snarled shipping lanes, hit energy infrastructure and stoked fresh inflation fears in global markets. European natural gas futures spiked as much as 50% intraday before closing 39% higher after QatarEnergy halted liquefied natural gas production following drone attacks on facilities in Ras Laffan Industrial City, according to the country’s defense ministry. Brent crude briefly touched $82 a barrel after at least three ships were attacked…

Geneva — The United States and Iran are set to open a new round of indirect talks in Switzerland aimed at averting a fresh spiral of conflict and ending weeks of threats, according to officials on both sides. The Geneva negotiations follow a U.S. military buildup across the region and repeated warnings from President Donald Trump that he is prepared to strike Iran if diplomacy fails. The agenda remains contested. Washington wants the talks to cover Iran’s nuclear activities, its ballistic missile program and its support for…

Search crews in California’s Sierra Nevada were racing against fading light and relentless snowfall to find 10 missing skiers after an avalanche swept a guided group on Castle Peak in the Tahoe area, officials said. The slide struck late yesterday morning as a powerful storm pummeled the mountains with heavy snow and high winds. The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office said 16 people — four guides and 12 clients — were caught up in the avalanche near the summit west of Truckee. Six have been accounted for, but mountain rescue…

Minneapolis — A fatal shooting by a federal agent in Minneapolis has intensified scrutiny of President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown after a month marked by five shootings tied to enforcement operations and a surge in deaths in immigration detention. The man killed Tuesday was identified in local reports as Alex Pretti, 37, a U.S. citizen, registered nurse and licensed gun owner. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said a U.S. Border Patrol agent opened fire after Pretti resisted attempts to disarm him. Local…

Mozambique floods: UNICEF warns “deadly threat” to children as rains swell rivers Maputo, Mozambique — Severe flooding sweeping southern and central Mozambique poses a “deadly threat” to children, the U.N. children’s agency warned Monday, as heavy rain and rising rivers strain already swollen dam systems and authorities brace for more water to arrive from neighbouring countries. UNICEF’s warning comes as rescue and relief needs grow in parts of the country hit by what local media described as floods as severe as those…

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (AX) — The Trump administration is preparing to deploy about 2,000 federal immigration agents to Minnesota, significantly expanding enforcement operations in the state as federal officials renew scrutiny of alleged welfare and child care fraud linked to nonprofits run by members of the Somali community, according to two law enforcement officials familiar with the plans. The operation, expected to center on the Twin Cities, will include personnel from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the U.S.…

Resurgence of Female Genital Mutilation in Liberia Raises Alarm Liberia is witnessing a troubling resurgence of female genital mutilation (FGM). Recent footage has unveiled that 502 girls and young women were initiated during a combined Sande ceremony across Lofa, Maryland, and Sinoe counties. This alarming trend affects half of Liberia's rural women aged 15 to 49, according to data from UN Women. Health advocates are raising urgent concerns that this latest mass initiation indicates a deteriorating situation amidst…

Former president John Mahama, who’s now the presidential hopeful for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), has leveled sharp critiques against President Nana Akufo-Addo's administration. He argues that the situation of youth unemployment has taken a turn for the worse, leaving many young Ghanaians struggling to find jobs. Mahama insists that the forthcoming elections "offer a vital chance" to change the nation’s leadership and, subsequently, its direction. During a recent campaign event in the eastern part of…

Recently, Russia ramped up its offensive against Kyiv, unleashing a wave of drones and missiles, marking the capital's first combined aerial assault in over 70 days. According to officials, the situation poses significant concerns for residents and defenses alike. This latest aggression unfolds amidst increasing alarms from Washington and Seoul, echoing Ukraine’s distress signals regarding North Korean troops reportedly entering combat alongside Russian forces right at the border of their conflict. Ukrainian air defense…