Soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo attended a dinner at the White House for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. President Donald Trump hosted the event, which also included tech leaders and FIFA head Gianni Infantino. The event followed discussions on topics like artificial intelligence and defense agreements between Trump and the crown prince.
Key Facts
Cristiano Ronaldo attended a White House dinner hosted by President Trump for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman.
The dinner included prominent tech leaders such as Apple CEO Tim Cook and Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
Discussions earlier that day between Trump and the crown prince covered topics like artificial intelligence and defense deals.
Saudi Crown Prince's visit to the U.S. was his first since the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund previously invested in media deals related to FIFA.
President Trump mentioned his son Barron is a fan of Ronaldo and was pleased to meet him.
Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 World Cup, as announced by FIFA's Gianni Infantino.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A committee of UK Members of Parliament (MPs) warns that the country lacks a proper plan to defend itself from military attacks. They highlight the UK's over-reliance on the United States for defense and urge improvements in military readiness and self-reliance. The UK government plans to build new munitions factories and increase defense spending to address these concerns.
Key Facts
UK MPs warn that the country does not have a strong plan for defense against military attacks.
The report criticizes the UK's reliance on U.S. military resources.
The UK plans to build new munitions factories, with six or more locations identified.
Plans include increasing UK munitions production capacity to be more self-sufficient.
The UK aims to create at least 1,000 new jobs by expanding munitions production.
The goal is to have new factories operational by the next election in 2029.
UK defense spending is set to rise to 3% of GDP by 2034.
The MPs' report stresses the need for the UK to improve its defense capabilities and work more closely with NATO allies.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Ukraine reported that it used U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles to hit targets in Russia after a long break from using the weapon. The Russian defense ministry claimed it intercepted the missiles near Voronezh without any civilian casualties.
Key Facts
Ukraine used ATACMS missiles supplied by the United States to target Russia.
The Ukrainian military shared the news on Facebook, highlighting the importance of the event for Ukraine's sovereignty.
The Ukrainian statement mentioned ongoing resilience against Russian attacks.
The Russian defense ministry stated it intercepted four ATACMS missiles over Voronezh.
The interception involved Russian S-400 and Pantsir missile systems.
Falling debris from the missiles damaged buildings including a geriatric center and an orphanage, but no injuries were reported.
The missiles were reportedly launched from the Kharkiv region in Ukraine.
This situation is still unfolding, with more updates expected.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
MI5 has alerted UK politicians about potential Chinese espionage using fake LinkedIn profiles to recruit Parliament members. The alert has caused tension between the UK and China, with China's embassy denying the allegations. The article also mentions President Trump meeting with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince at the White House and defending him regarding the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Key Facts
MI5 issued an alert to UK MPs about Chinese espionage using LinkedIn profiles.
The profiles, under the names Amanda Qiu and Shirly Shen, were used to try to recruit UK parliamentarians.
The UK and China are currently experiencing tensions over these espionage claims.
China's embassy in the UK called the accusations false and defamatory.
President Trump met Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the White House.
Trump defended the Crown Prince when asked about journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s murder.
U.S. intelligence agencies previously assessed that the Crown Prince was involved in Khashoggi's killing.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Poland, a NATO member, scrambled fighter jets after Russia launched significant attacks on Ukraine. Polish forces raised their readiness to protect airspace near the affected regions.
Key Facts
Poland is a member of NATO, a military alliance.
Poland scrambled fighter jets and an early warning aircraft.
Poland increased readiness of ground-based air defense systems.
The actions are preventive to secure and protect airspace.
The measures aim to protect areas near the threatened regions in Ukraine.
Russia carried out large-scale strikes on Ukraine.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Fighting continues in Ukraine, with Russian drones injuring people and causing damage in Kharkiv. Ukrainian forces have targeted power stations in Russian-occupied areas of Donetsk. The Trump administration has approved a new arms sale to Ukraine, and Spain is providing additional military aid.
Key Facts
Russian drones struck the Slobidskyi and Osnovyansk districts in Kharkiv, Ukraine, injuring five people and causing a fire.
Kharkiv authorities evacuated 22 residents from a damaged apartment building.
Russian airspace was temporarily closed in Krasnodar, and four Ukrainian drones aimed at Moscow were shot down.
Ukraine conducted drone attacks on two power stations in Russian-occupied Donetsk, affecting electricity for 65% of consumers in the region.
President Trump's administration approved a $105 million arms sale to Ukraine for Patriot missile system upgrades.
Spain announced a 615 million euro ($710 million) military aid package for Ukraine.
Poland identified two Ukrainian citizens responsible for sabotage on a railway route to Ukraine, blaming Russian recruitment.
NATO forces conducted counterdrone exercises in Poland with troops from multiple member countries.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Trump has designated Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally to strengthen military ties. This decision followed a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, where strategic defense agreements were discussed. Saudi Arabia also plans to invest more in the U.S. and buy military equipment, including F-35 fighter jets and nearly 300 tanks.
Key Facts
President Trump designated Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally.
The move aims to enhance military cooperation between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman plans to increase Riyadh's investment in the U.S. to $1 trillion.
Saudi Arabia will purchase F-35 fighter jets, becoming the first Middle Eastern country, besides Israel, to get them.
Trump and MBS signed a historic strategic defense agreement.
President Trump made these announcements at a dinner with MBS.
Saudi Arabia is interested in buying almost 300 tanks from the U.S.
During the meeting, Trump mentioned that "a lot of people didn't like" journalist Jamal Khashoggi, referring to allegations against MBS.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A special court in Dhaka, Bangladesh, sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan to death for crimes against humanity. The charges relate to a crackdown on a protest in which more than 1,400 people died, including the killing of six student protesters. There are concerns about if India will extradite Hasina and Khan back to Bangladesh to face the verdict.
Key Facts
Sheikh Hasina, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, was sentenced to death for crimes against humanity.
Asaduzzaman Khan, the former Home Minister, received the same sentence.
The crimes relate to a crackdown on student protests, known as the July Uprising, in 2024.
At least 1,400 protesters were killed during this crackdown, according to the UN.
The trial was conducted in their absence as both Hasina and Khan are in India.
Concerns exist if India will extradite Hasina and Khan to Bangladesh.
Family members of victims have expressed strong emotions, wanting justice to be served.
Bangladesh's tribunal also sentenced a former police chief to a five-year jail term for his role.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Saudi Arabia has agreed to buy almost 300 tanks made in the United States. This purchase is part of ongoing discussions about military spending and security between the two nations.
Key Facts
Saudi Arabia plans to buy nearly 300 tanks from the United States.
The tanks are made by General Dynamics Land Systems.
This deal is part of larger talks between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia about military and security matters.
The U.S. government says this deal will help Saudi Arabia strengthen its defense and keep many American jobs safe.
The Abrams main battle tank, involved in the deal, is already used by the U.S. Army and other countries like Ukraine.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed increasing Saudi investments in the U.S. to $1 trillion.
President Trump also announced plans to sell advanced fighter jets, the F-35, to Saudi Arabia.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Trump administration is working with Russia to create a plan to end the war in Ukraine. The plan includes 28 points focused on peace and security. It is not clear how Ukraine and European countries will respond to this plan.
Key Facts
The U.S. plan to end the Ukraine war has 28 points.
President Trump drew inspiration from a previous deal made in Gaza.
The plan is being led by Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev.
The plan's main ideas are peace in Ukraine, security in Europe, and future relations between the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine.
Russian envoy Dmitriev is hopeful because he feels Russia's concerns are being heard.
The plan is based on principles previously agreed upon by Trump and Putin.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has not yet met with the U.S. envoy to discuss the plan.
The White House has started informing European officials and is open to adapting the plan based on feedback.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Europe is facing challenges with Russia's "shadow fleet," which is a group of tankers believed to be avoiding sanctions on Russian oil. These ships often have unclear ownership or fake national flags, making them difficult to manage if problems arise. European coastguards and navies are regularly in contact with these ships, which raises security concerns.
Key Facts
Russia's "shadow fleet" consists of tankers used to bypass sanctions on Russian oil.
These tankers often operate with unclear ownership or without a valid national flag.
European coastguards regularly encounter these ships and suspect them of illegal activities.
Some "shadow" ships are believed to engage in sabotage or fake their location data.
The increase in falsely flagged ships has doubled, according to the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
The head of Estonia's navy has reported a noticeable rise in such vessels passing by this year.
A ship named Unity, part of the "shadow fleet," has made multiple trips between Russian ports and countries not following the price cap.
Vessels within the "shadow fleet" are considered risky, as they are often in poor condition and uninsured.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Scientists have studied the origins of kissing, suggesting it began over 21 million years ago in the common ancestors of humans and great apes. The study explored kissing across different species and proposed that Neanderthals may have also engaged in this behavior. The findings highlight kissing as a widespread activity in the animal kingdom, although its exact purpose remains unclear.
Key Facts
Scientists suggest kissing evolved more than 21 million years ago.
This behavior was likely present in the common ancestors of humans and great apes.
Neanderthals, ancient human relatives, may have also engaged in kissing.
The study defined kissing as mouth-to-mouth contact with lip or mouth movement, but no food transfer.
Evidence of similar behavior was found in various animals, including wolves, prairie dogs, polar bears, and albatrosses.
Researchers constructed an "evolutionary family tree" to track when kissing likely evolved.
The study was published in the journal "Evolution and Human Behaviour".
The purpose of kissing in evolutionary terms remains uncertain, but it is a common behavior across species.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Bihar, India's poorest state, continues to face challenges with illegal alcohol sales despite a ban. The ban was introduced to reduce addiction and violence, but enforcement issues and smuggling keep the black market thriving. Women in Bihar are particularly affected, advocating for the ban's continuation.
Key Facts
Bihar imposed a statewide alcohol ban in 2016 to reduce addiction and violence.
Despite the ban, illegal alcohol production and sales continue in the state.
Police raids often result in raids on illegal distilleries, but the producers frequently escape.
Most legal actions target consumers instead of producers or sellers.
Over 1.1 million cases have been registered since the law began, with 650,000 people convicted mostly for consumption.
Smuggling is aided by Bihar's borders with states and countries where alcohol is legal.
Women who lost their family members to toxic liquor support the ban, hoping for better enforcement.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Republicans are trying to remove Delegate Stacey Plaskett from the House Intelligence Committee after it was revealed she exchanged texts with Jeffrey Epstein during a congressional hearing. The texts suggest Epstein was advising Plaskett on what to ask during the hearing. A vote on her removal from the committee may happen soon.
Key Facts
Stacey Plaskett is currently on the House Intelligence Committee.
Texts between her and Jeffrey Epstein were released, suggesting she received advice from him during a hearing in 2019.
Plaskett reportedly asked questions that Epstein suggested during the hearing.
The effort to remove her from the committee is led by Republicans.
A vote on her removal could happen shortly.
Epstein had previously been convicted on charges related to sex crimes and his donations to politicians, including Plaskett, were controversial.
The proposed resolution to remove her also asks for an investigation into her ties with Epstein.
Plaskett remains on other committees, like Ways and Means or Budget, regardless of the outcome.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
An Israeli air strike hit a Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon, killing at least 13 people. Israel stated the attack targeted Hamas operatives, while Hamas denied having facilities in the camp. Tensions remain high following a ceasefire with Lebanon after a prolonged conflict.
Key Facts
An Israeli drone strike killed at least 13 people in the Ein el-Hilweh refugee camp in Lebanon.
The attack also injured at least four people, with reports of more being transported to hospitals.
Israel claimed the strike targeted members of Hamas in a training compound.
Hamas denied having training facilities in Lebanese refugee camps and called the attack an aggression.
The conflict follows Israel's broader military actions against Palestinian factions like Hamas in Lebanon.
Israel has conducted numerous air strikes in Lebanon despite a ceasefire brokered in November 2024.
Lebanese authorities reported more than 270 fatalities since the ceasefire due to Israeli military actions.
A ceasefire had required Israel to withdraw forces from southern Lebanon by early 2025, which has not been completed.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump welcomed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the White House to discuss various topics, including potential agreements between Saudi Arabia and Israel and a possible defense pact. Trump confirmed plans to authorize the sale of advanced F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. The meeting also briefly touched on regional issues such as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Key Facts
President Trump hosted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House.
The meeting showcased strong ties between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia.
They discussed Saudi Arabia potentially joining the Abraham Accords, which are agreements for formal relations between Israel and some Arab countries.
Trump said a defense agreement with Saudi Arabia is almost finalized.
Trump plans to approve the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, not downgrading the jets’ capabilities.
Regional challenges, including Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, were not a major focus of the meeting.
Trump mentioned past U.S. strikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities during discussions.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
An Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon near a Palestinian refugee camp killed 13 people. The Israeli military stated the target was Hamas members operating in a training area. The health ministry in Lebanon reported 13 deaths and at least four injuries from the strike.
Key Facts
An Israeli airstrike occurred near the Ein el-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon.
Lebanon's health ministry reported 13 people killed and at least four injured due to the strike.
The Israeli military claimed it targeted Hamas members in a training area.
Israel has carried out airstrikes in Lebanon targeting groups like Hezbollah and Hamas.
Images showed emergency responders at the camp's entrance and ambulances moving through crowded streets.
Israel's military stated measures were taken to minimize civilian harm using precision equipment.
Tensions between Israel and groups in Lebanon have been high, with previous escalations involving bombings and ground incursions.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Six members of the Palestine Action group are on trial in the UK for allegedly attacking an Israeli arms manufacturer's facility in Bristol. The group is accused of causing damage to the property and injuring a police officer. The trial is drawing significant attention, with demonstrations in support of the activists taking place.
Key Facts
Six British members of Palestine Action are on trial in the UK.
They allegedly attacked Elbit Systems, an Israeli arms company, in August 2024.
They are accused of causing property damage and using paint as a form of protest.
One defendant is charged with injuring a police officer during the incident.
The British government labeled Palestine Action as a "terrorist" group in July.
The group aims to disrupt the arms industry in the UK.
Some of the activists have been in detention for over a year, exceeding the UK's six-month pre-trial limit.
The trial is expected to last 10 weeks and has drawn international attention and protests.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump defended Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, stating the crown prince knew nothing about journalist Jamal Khashoggi's 2018 murder. This statement contrasts with a 2021 U.S. intelligence report suggesting the crown prince approved the operation. During Crown Prince Mohammed's visit to the U.S., he announced plans for increased Saudi investments and discussed potential arms sales with President Trump.
Key Facts
President Trump said the Saudi Crown Prince had no knowledge of Khashoggi's murder.
A 2021 U.S. intelligence report claimed the crown prince approved the plan that led to Khashoggi's death.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visited the U.S. for the first time since the murder.
Saudi Arabia plans to increase its U.S. investments to $1 trillion.
Potential deals include civilian nuclear power and artificial intelligence.
Discussions included the possible sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia.
Some concerns exist regarding the military balance in the Middle East with Israel.
Khashoggi’s widow called for an apology from the crown prince regarding her husband’s murder.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump designated Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally, which allows for increased defense trade and security cooperation between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. This designation followed talks and the signing of a strategic defense agreement with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Trump also announced plans to sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, raising concerns in Israel.
Key Facts
President Trump announced Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally.
This status allows closer military cooperation without being a NATO member.
There are 19 other countries with this designation, including Israel and Egypt.
A strategic defense agreement was signed during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit.
Trump plans to sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, which worries Israel about its military edge.
Human rights groups criticize Saudi Arabia for its human rights record.
Congressional scrutiny is expected to increase over arms sales and human rights issues in Saudi Arabia.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
