Donald Trump called for strict sanctions against Iran. He expressed hope for a nuclear agreement during a summit with Gulf Arab leaders in Riyadh. Trump conditioned any deal on Iran ceasing terror sponsorship and halting nuclear weapons pursuit. The US has already imposed sanctions on entities linked to Iran's oil and nuclear sectors.
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Australia has expressed outrage over the 13-year sentence handed down to Oscar Jenkins, an Australian national, by a Russian-controlled court in Ukraine's Lugansk region. Jenkins was convicted of being a mercenary while fighting for Ukraine. The Australian government insists Jenkins be treated as a prisoner of war under international law, emphasizing humane treatment.
Arab leaders convened in Baghdad to discuss a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. They pledged support for Gaza's reconstruction. Egypt and Qatar, with US coordination, are working towards a ceasefire. Egypt plans an international conference for Gaza's rebuilding. The summit occurred amidst regional tensions, including US President Donald Trump's visit and Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa's rise.
Lyman Frank Baum's 'The Wizard of Oz,' a timeless tale of courage and friendship, celebrated its 125th anniversary. The story follows Dorothy's journey through Oz, aided by iconic ruby slippers, a change from the book's silver. The 1939 film adaptation significantly shaped the story's visuals, influencing adaptations like 'The Wiz' and 'Wicked,' solidifying its place in pop culture.
In US, a judge has put a temporary stop to the Trump administration's plan. The plan aimed to take away collective bargaining rights from Foreign Service employees. This decision comes after a labour union filed a lawsuit. The union argued that the administration's order would disrupt labour relations. The judge had previously blocked a similar move affecting other federal employees.
FBI Director Kash Patel has announced a forthcoming release of previously hidden documents related to the Trump-Russia investigation and the January 6 Capitol breach. Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino claim the documents will reveal misuse of the FISA process by former FBI officials like Comey, McCabe, and Strzok.
An autopsy revealed that Rio Arriba County Sheriff Billy Merrifield died from the combined toxic effects of fentanyl and alcohol after being found in his patrol vehicle following a crash. The death, ruled accidental, highlights the ongoing opioid crisis in the Espanola Valley, where fentanyl is increasingly prevalent. His death adds to New Mexico's high rate of opioid-related fatalities.
Hundreds of Voice of America contractors are expected to lose their jobs over the coming days, campaigners said, as the Trump administration moves to dismantle the US government-backed news service's parent agency. The Trump administration decided to terminate "hundreds of contractors over the following days," advocacy group Save VOA wrote on social media on Thursday night.
NASA's Perseverance rover has detected a visible green aurora at Mars, a first for the red planet. Triggered by a solar storm in March 2024, the aurora offers a potential spectacle for future astronauts. Scientists believe this discovery enables forecasting of auroras on Mars, aiding in space weather studies and enhancing the prospect of human-visible displays.
Swedish journalist Joakim Medin, detained in Turkey for allegedly "insulting" President Erdogan, has been released and is returning to Sweden, according to Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. Medin was arrested upon arrival in Istanbul while covering protests sparked by the detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and faced additional charges of belonging to a terror organization, which he denied.
Donald Trump's acceptance of a private jet from Qatar has sparked a rare rift within the MAGA world. Prominent right-wing figures are denouncing the move as unethical and potentially illegal, raising concerns about conflicts of interest and Qatari influence.