Author: Andrew Rogers

Ukraine is facing widespread power cuts of eight to 16 hours across most regions after Russian attacks targeted the country’s energy infrastructure. State transmission operator Ukrenergo reported that the strikes have reduced Ukraine’s electricity generating capacity to “zero,” forcing authorities to implement rolling blackouts. Moscow has intensified its attacks on Ukraine’s energy facilities in recent months. From Friday into Saturday, Russian drones and missiles hit hundreds of sites, killing at least seven people and disrupting electricity, heat, and water supplies in several cities. State power firm Centerenergo warned that the country’s generating capacity is critically low. While some repairs have…

Russia launched a series of missile and drone attacks across Ukraine overnight, hitting more than 25 regions. Ukrainian authorities reported over 450 drones and 45 missiles were fired, most of which were intercepted. Despite the defenses, some strikes caused damage in Dnipro and Zaporizhzhia, including civilian casualties from a building hit. Prime Minister Yulia Shredev said power stations in Kharkiv, Kyiv, and Poltava regions were heavily damaged. Many areas are now facing electricity and water shortages. Emergency services are running on generators while repair teams work to restore essential infrastructure. The situation is further complicated by Ukraine’s military staffing shortages.…

US flight cancellations rose sharply on Saturday as the government shutdown continued to affect air traffic across the nation. Airlines canceled 1,460 flights on the second day of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) order to reduce operations, signaling deeper disruptions ahead. Charlotte, North Carolina, faced the most severe impact, with 120 flights canceled by midday. Other major airports including Atlanta, Newark, San Francisco, Chicago, and New York also experienced delays due to staffing shortages. The FAA reported that 37 airport towers and other centers were affected, slowing flights in at least 12 cities. Officials warned that the cancellations could grow…

Israel is detaining dozens of Palestinians from Gaza in an underground jail where they never see sunlight. Reports say inmates are deprived of food and barred from contacting their families or learning about the outside world. The facility, Rakefet Prison, was reopened after attacks in October 2023. It had been closed for decades due to inhumane conditions. Far-right security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir ordered its reopening to hold high-risk prisoners. Lawyers from the Public Committee Against Torture in Israel (PCATI) represent two civilians detained there: a nurse arrested while at work and an 18-year-old food seller taken at a checkpoint. Both…

Turkey has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and several senior officials, accusing them of genocide and crimes against humanity in Gaza. The Istanbul prosecutor’s office named 37 suspects, including Israel’s defense minister Israel Katz, national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, and army chief Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir. The full list of names has not been released. The statement from Turkey alleges that the Israeli government has “systematically perpetrated” crimes in Gaza. It also highlighted the bombing of the Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital in Gaza last March as evidence of these alleged violations. Israel strongly rejected the move, labeling…

North Korea has escalated regional tensions by launching a ballistic missile near South Korea, delivering a strong response to recent U.S.-backed military developments. On Friday, South Korea’s military reported that Pyongyang fired an unidentified ballistic missile into the East Sea. The launch came shortly after the U.S. approved South Korea’s plans to develop a nuclear-powered submarine, raising concerns across the Pacific region. Analysts say the missile test underscores the growing unease as Seoul strengthens its nuclear capabilities. The move has alarmed both the international community and neighboring powers, including China. In response to North Korea’s actions, the Trump administration has…

Excitement filled a mosque in Puerto Rico as Muslims warmly welcomed New York City’s newly elected mayor, Zohran Mamdani. The courtyard echoed with cries of “Allahu Akbar” as congregants greeted him with enthusiasm. Mamdani visited the mosque in San Juan on Friday to attend prayers and meet local Muslim residents. Speaking to the community, he highlighted New York City as a place where everyone can find their space and identity without dispute. He urged Puerto Ricans and New Yorkers to stand united, emphasizing that the city should not be seen as a market for sale but as a home where…

The United States faces growing disruption as the government shutdown enters its 41st day. Millions of Americans are experiencing uncertainty and daily hardships amid political deadlock. On Friday night, Senate Democrats proposed a new bill to end the shutdown. The legislation required 60 votes to pass, but Republican opposition stalled it once again. Heated discussions moved to the Senate floor as lawmakers debated solutions. Federal employees continue to work without pay, raising concerns about the nation’s essential services. Critics suggest that redirecting funds, similar in size to financial aid given to Argentina, could help resolve the crisis. However, Republicans continued…

Iran has emerged as a strong military power on the global stage, showcasing its missile capabilities in a recent conflict with Israel. The 12-day confrontation highlighted Iran’s advanced strike technology, drawing attention from defense experts worldwide. Iran’s modern missile systems successfully breached Israel’s Iron Dome defense, striking multiple locations. This performance has sparked serious questions about the effectiveness of Israel’s security measures. Western analysts now warn that Iran could cause severe damage if it chooses to escalate its military actions. Former U.S. military officer Colonel Douglas MacGregor stated that Iran’s vast missile arsenal has the potential to devastate Israel in…

The UK military has announced the first delivery of Ajax armoured vehicles, eight years behind schedule, raising questions about their relevance as drones dominate modern battlefields. Junior Defence Minister Luke Pollard confirmed that the first 50 vehicles, each costing nearly £10 million, are ready for deployment on Nato’s eastern flank. He acknowledged past delays, with missed delivery deadlines in 2017, 2020, and 2021, calling the programme a learning experience. “The Ajax took many, many years to contract, and we need to cut that time drastically,” Pollard said at a manufacturing site in Merthyr Tydfil, south Wales. “Our mission is to…