World News
Ivory Coast Seeks US Surveillance Aircraft to Combat Al Qaeda in the Sahel Region
Dec 12, 2025 01:35 am CST
Ivory Coast is requesting US surveillance aircraft deployment in its northern territory to combat Al Qaeda-affiliated militants in the Sahel region. This strategic move comes after the US lost its key intelligence base in Niger, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in West Africa where terrorist groups continue to expand their influence despite changing regional alliances.
Nobel Laureate Maria Corina Machado Vows to Return to Venezuela and End Tyranny Despite Risks
Dec 12, 2025 01:24 am CST
Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado has emerged in Oslo after months in hiding, vowing to return to Venezuela to continue her fight for democracy against President Maduro's regime. In her first public appearance since January, she thanked those who risked their lives to help her escape, while acknowledging the significant personal and political risks of her return to a country where she could face arrest as a fugitive.
Venezuelan Opposition Leader Maria Corina Machado's Dangerous Escape to Accept Nobel Peace Prize in Norway
Dec 12, 2025 01:23 am CST
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado completed a perilous three-day journey from Venezuela to Norway, using disguises and evading checkpoints to accept her award. The opposition leader, who had been in hiding since August 2024, vowed to return to Venezuela despite facing serious charges from the Maduro government. Her dramatic escape included crossing the Caribbean Sea in a fishing vessel and receiving assistance from private contractors with reported US connections.
Time Magazine Names "Architects of AI" as 2025 Person of the Year: Tech Leaders Reshaping Humanity's Future
Dec 12, 2025 01:15 am CST
Time Magazine has recognized the "Architects of AI" as its 2025 Person of the Year, highlighting technology leaders like Jensen Huang, Sam Altman, and Elon Musk whose artificial intelligence innovations are transforming society. The magazine acknowledges both AI's tremendous economic potential and its concerning implications, as these visionaries compete in what may be the most consequential technological development since nuclear weapons.
Trump's Tariff Policies Cost Average American Households Nearly $1,200, Economic Report Reveals
Dec 11, 2025 11:36 pm CST
A new analysis by the Joint Economic Committee shows that sweeping import taxes under the Trump administration have resulted in approximately $1,200 in additional costs for the average American household. The report highlights the significant economic impact of tariff policies on consumer prices at a time when many families are already struggling with the high cost of living.
31 Killed in Military Air Strike on Hospital in Myanmar: Escalating Violence Ahead of Controversial Elections
Dec 11, 2025 11:34 pm CST
A devastating military air strike on a hospital in Myanmar's Rakhine state killed 31 people including an infant, highlighting the escalating violence as the ruling junta prepares for contested December elections. The attack on Mrauk-U general hospital comes amid ongoing conflict with the Arakan Army rebels who control most of the region, exacerbating a severe humanitarian crisis.
Escalating Thailand-Cambodia Border Conflict: Airstrikes, Artillery and Diplomatic Tensions
Dec 11, 2025 10:41 pm CST
The Thailand-Cambodia border conflict has intensified with both sides exchanging airstrikes and artillery fire, resulting in approximately two dozen casualties and displacing hundreds of thousands of people. The violence erupted after a Sunday skirmish derailed a U.S.-brokered ceasefire. Both nations accuse each other of territorial violations, with fighting threatening UNESCO World Heritage site Preah Vihear temple. The conflict stems from historical border disputes dating back to a contested 1907 map and a controversial 1962 International Court ruling.
Bangladesh Announces February 2026 Elections Following Political Upheaval
Dec 11, 2025 10:21 pm CST
Bangladesh will hold parliamentary elections on February 12, 2026, marking the first democratic vote since former PM Sheikh Hasina's ouster in August 2024. The election will cover all 300 constituencies with over 127.6 million eligible voters, including overseas citizens. Muhammad Yunus's interim government has faced pressure to restore democratic leadership, while controversy surrounds the Awami League's ban from participation despite its significant public support.
US Tightens Visa Rules: Tourist Applications Rejected for Birth Tourism and Expanded Social Media Screening for H-1B Applicants
Dec 11, 2025 09:45 pm CST
The US embassy in India has announced stricter visa policies, rejecting tourist visa applications if consular officers determine the primary purpose is birth tourism. Additionally, the US has expanded social media screening to include all H-1B workers and their H-4 dependents, effective December 15. This development follows the Trump administration's directive to enhance security protocols, creating uncertainty for thousands of visa applicants whose appointments are being rescheduled during the implementation of these new measures.
Former Pakistan Intelligence Chief Sentenced to 14 Years for State Secret Violations and Political Interference
Dec 11, 2025 09:28 pm CST
Pakistan's former spy agency head Faiz Hameed has been sentenced to 14 years imprisonment for violating state secrets, abusing authority and engaging in political activities. A staunch supporter of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, Hameed served as intelligence chief from 2019 to 2021 before being stripped of his military rank following multiple violations of the Pakistan Army Act.