World News Briefs -- July 6, 2022 (Evening Edition)

Daily Mail: Boris SACKS Michael Gove in reshuffle revenge after he joined cabinet colleagues calling for PM to quit on extraordinary day that sees Johnson holed up on Downing Street clinging to power and vowing to 'go down fighting' 

* Boris Johnson has faced a showdown with a delegation of ministers calling for him to resign as Tory leader 

* 1922 committee chair Sir Graham Brady has also been in Downing Street as pressure ramps up on Mr Johnson 

* Sajid Javid made a shattering resignation statement in the Commons after Mr Johnson faced brutal PMQs 

* Mr Johnson engaged in desperate battle to cling on after Rishi Sunak and Mr Javid quit the Cabinet yesterday 

* Despite massive pressure on him to resign, Mr Johnson insists he has no intention of leaving Downing Street 

Michael Gove has tonight been sacked from his cabinet position as embattled Prime Minister Boris Johnson launched his own counterattack in a desperate bid to save his political career. 

The former Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Secretary, who famously stabbed Mr Johnson in the back during his 2016 leadership bid, had earlier urged him to quit Downing Street as the Tory coup ramped up. 

The dramatic sacking of Mr Gove, a long-standing ally who has served in Cabinet roles in successive governments since 2010, came after a whirlwind 24 hours in Westminster that has seen Mr Johnson's core support hemorrhage.  

Read more .... 

MIDDLE EAST 

US imposes new Iran sanctions amid efforts to revive nuclear deal. 

US ‘alarmed’ at Iran’s nuclear progress, deal may become ‘thing of the past’ — envoy. 

Iran denies making demands beyond nuclear deal. 

Gantz reveals 'unusual' Iranian military activity in the Red Sea. 

Lebanon plans Syrian refugee repatriation within months: Minister. 

Syrians fear effects of Russia blocking aid to rebel area. 

Another Hezbollah drone shot down over Israeli waters last week, military says. 

Israel’s Lapid meets Macron in Paris on first trip as PM. 

Key witness: Netanyahu received gifts from billionaires. 

Saudi Arabia expecting 1 million in largest hajj since virus. 

Saudi Arabia's new hajj lottery has many Muslims fuming. 

ASIA 

Shanghai, Beijing order new round of mass COVID-19 testing. 

Ahead of G-20 ministers’ meeting, China slams US, NATO. 

Chinese, Russian warships approach Diaoyu Islands as Russia ‘sends warning to Japan’. 

China, US senior officials hold video talk, with Beijing raising concerns over tariffs and sanctions: report. 

Sri Lanka aims to stop money printing as inflation nears 60%. 

Sri Lanka’s crisis rings alarm for other troubled economies. 

Myanmar hosts 1st regional meeting since army takeover. 

Thousands more flee as Sydney floods track north. 

AFRICA 

Congo and Rwanda agree to reduce tensions over M23 rebels. 

Sudan's Burhan sacks civilian members from ruling body as protesters rally again. 

Sudan protesters sceptical military will step aside. 

Explosive kills at least two UN peacekeepers in north Mali. 

Ethiopia parliament sets up body to probe mass killings. 

Algeria marks 60 years of independence with military parade. 

Tunisian judge freezes bank accounts of former PM, parliament speaker. 

Long winter: South Africans struggle with rolling blackouts. 

 EUROPE 

UK’s Johnson battles to stay in job after top ministers quit. 

EU chief warns of danger surrounding complete cut-off of Russian gas. 

 EU lawmakers back gas, nuclear energy as sustainable. 

 Italian govt staves off immediate prospect of early election. 

Slovakia’s coalition in crisis over tackling high inflation. 

French PM vows to boost economy amid impact of Ukraine war. 

Russian official says Norway unblocks food for miners. 

EU urges N Macedonia to back proposed deal with Bulgaria. 

 AMERICAS 

 Fed flags risk US inflation could become entrenched: minutes. 

Biden speaks with wife of basketball star detained in Russia. 

Colombian president-elect Petro proposes ceasefire, talks with ELN guerillas. 

Suspect in Haiti president’s assassination pleads not guilty. 

Argentina’s economic change underlines president’s weakening. 

Ecuador’s Guillermo Lasso accepts four cabinet resignations. 

Mega drought in US spells trouble for Hoover Dam reservoir. 

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR 

Jihadis attack jail in Nigeria’s capital, 879 inmates escape. 

France repatriates 51 citizens from IS group camps in Syria. 

Landmark  Paris attacks trial leaves riddles unsolved, tears unnumbered. 

 ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS 

Stocks rise after release of Fed meeting minutes. 

Closing prices for crude oil, gold and other commodities. 

 US Fed: Sharply higher rates may be needed to quell inflation. 

Saudi Arabia hikes oil prices to Asia once again. 

OPEC secretary-general Mohammad Barkindo has died, Nigerian officials say.

World News Briefs -- June 21, 2022 (Evening Edition)

 

Daily Mail: Russia vows retaliation with a 'serious negative impact on Lithuanian population' as Kaliningrad blockade threatens to drag NATO into war and ex-general calls on Putin to send in NUKES 

* Lithuania blocked goods sanctioned by the EU from reaching Kaliningrad 

* Lt-Gen Evgeny Buzhinsky said the West is playing with fire following the move 

* Putin's spokesman warned that all trust evaporated between West and Moscow 

Russia has vowed to retaliate against Lithuania with measures that 'will have a serious negative impact on the Lithuanian population' after the country blocked EU-sanctioned goods from reaching the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad. 

Russia's Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev said Moscow will respond shortly to Lithuania's move to block deliveries of coal, metals, construction materials and advanced technology from mainland Russia to Kaliningrad.  

Read more .... 

MIDDLE EAST 

US Navy warship fires warning flare after Iranian fast attack boat almost CRASHES into it: Three military speed boats buzz the USS Sirocco in latest tense stand-off in Strait of Hormuz. 

Russian foreign minister to visit Iran by weekend. 

Israel coalition moves to dissolve parliament, Lapid to become caretaker PM. 

Blinken vows support as Israel heads to elections. 

Lebanon, Syria and Egypt sign deal to supply Beirut with gas. 

 Saudi Crown Prince MBS arrives in Jordan on regional visit. 

Turkey to host talks on Black Sea export of Ukraine grain: Report. 

For Iraqis a sweltering summer of 'hell' has begun. 

ASIA 

Taiwan scrambles jets to warn away 29 Chinese planes in its Air Defence Identification Zone. 

North Korean leader convenes military meeting amid tensions. 

Japan, U.S., South Korea eye summit on NATO fringes. 

Japan PM says dialogue with China, S. Korea key to stability. 

US Senators Menendez, Graham propose overhaul of US policy toward Taiwan. 

Sri Lanka should have gone to IMF sooner, says central bank governor. 

Agnipath: India strike over controversial army hiring plan. 

India: Record heat wave sparks wheat export ban. 

Assam: India floods destroy millions of homes and dreams. 

AFRICA 

Suspected jihadists kill more than 130 civilians in central Mali, officials say. 

Mali mourns massacre victims. 

Burkina Faso tells civilians to evacuate vast zones ahead of military operations. 

State controls just 60 percent of Burkina Faso: ECOWAS mediator. 

Ethiopian military targets rebels accused of killing civilians. 

EU urges Ethiopia to lift fuel restrictions to Tigray. 

Tunisia will abandon Islam as its state religion in new draft constitution. 

East Africa leaders agree regional force to quell DR Congo crisis. 

Rwanda hosts Commonwealth summit amid rights, security concerns. 

Africa is a hostage of Russia's war on Ukraine, Zelensky says. 

EUROPE

Covid surges across Europe as experts warn not let guard down. 

Russia warns Lithuania its citizens will feel the pain over Kaliningrad, EU calls for de-escalation. 

EU tries to get grain from Ukraine as Russia's war drags on. 

Russian Nobel winner auctions Peace Prize medal for £84.5 MILLION to benefit Ukrainian children: Stunning amount paid for award made from gold worth about £8,000​. 

Lukashenko warns Poland over western Ukraine. 

Estonia protests to Russia over helicopter airspace violation. 

Von der Leyen says Ukraine ready for EU ‘candidate status’ ahead of bloc meeting.

EC recommends EU candidate status to be given to Ukraine, Moldova, not to Georgia. 

Tens of thousands rally to defend Georgia's European future. 

Gas supplies via Nord Stream 2 can be started even now — Gazprom CEO. 

French election: Macron seeks allies to prop up minority government. 

AMERICAS 

White House says concerned about recession but US economy strong. 

US lawmakers agree bipartisan bill on gun safety. 

Biden approval rating down to 39 percent in new poll. 

White House moves forward with controversial Saudi meeting. 

Ecuador: Clashes break out at Indigenous protests. 

Dozens die in custody under El Salvador’s state of exception. 

Two Canadians found dead in Playa del Carmen Mexican beach resort. 

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR 

EU sanctions al-Qaida-linked terrorist group, leaders in West Africa. 

Senior Islamic State leader captured in U.S. military raid in Syria. 

Belgium repatriates ISIL-linked children, mothers from Syria. 

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS 

Wall Street ends broadly higher after sharp losses last week. 

World shares mixed; bitcoin holds steady near $20,000. 

Oil turbulence could last five years, ExxonMobil boss warns. 

WTO strikes deals on fisheries, food, COVID vaccines. 

Twitter board endorses Elon Musk's $44 billion takeover bid.

World News Briefs -- June 15, 2022 (Evening Edition)

 

Daily Mail: Fed Reserve Chair Powell insists his aim is to bring 41-year high 8% inflation back down to 2% as he raises interest rates by .75% - the highest rise since 1994 - and warns MORE hikes are coming 

* Federal Reserve raised the interest rate to .75 per cent in an attempt to rein in record high levels of inflation 

* Officials agreed to their biggest hike since 1994 at their two-day meeting that wrapped Wednesday 

* The move will increase its benchmark short-term rate, which affects many consumer and business loans, to between 1.5% and 1.75% 

* It will drive up loan rates for homes, cars, credit cards and other items - making it much more expensive to borrow money 

* 'We're strongly committed to bringing inflation back down. And we're moving expeditiously to do so,' Chairman Jerome Powell said 

* Stock market rallied after the announcement with the S&P 500 inching 1.3% higher after a rocky opening 

* Powell said more interest rate hikes were likely and the aim is to bring inflation down from 8% to 2% 

The Federal Reserve on Wednesday raised interest rates by .75 percent in their biggest increase since 1994 in an attempt to rein in 41-year high levels of inflation - and warned more hikes are likely in the near future. 

The move will increase its benchmark short-term rate, which affects many consumer and business loans, to between 1.5 percent and 1.75 percent. 

The result will drive up loan rates for homes, cars, credit cards and other items - making it much more expensive to borrow money.  

Read more .... 

 MIDDLE EAST 

US officials confirm Biden to visit Saudi Arabia, meet MBS. 

Saudi embassy in Washington now on 'Jamal Khashoggi Way'. 

‘Heavy’ damage to Damascus airport confirmed after Israeli attack. 

Iranian tanker ship seized by Greece has been released, Mehr news agency reports. 

Iran says two military officials involved in aerospace research killed. 

 Iran currency drops to lowest value ever amid US sanctions. 

Ireland, Norway, Turkey want UN to extend aid to Syria. 

Russia considers Turkey's possible military operation in Syria unwise. 

NATO chief Stoltenberg says Turkey's security concerns are legitimate. 

Top US official meets fuming Abbas in Ramallah ahead of expected Biden visit. 

Iraqi MPs from Sadr's bloc resign in bid to end months of political paralysis. 

ASIA 

South Korea says North completed prep for new nuclear test. 

Blinken says US is prepared to make adjustments to military posture in response to North Korea. 

Seoul: North Korea fires suspected artillery shells into Sea. 

North Korea plans crackdown as Kim pushes for internal unity. 

Xi tells Putin China will keep backing Russia on ‘sovereignty, security'. 

China accuses US of trying to ‘hijack’ support in Asia. 

‘Stop smearing’ China: Chinese defense minister accuses U.S. of creating ‘conflict and confrontation’. 

Chinese defense chief sends 'strongest warning' to US on Taiwan question; 'Indo-Pacific strategy will fail to divide region'. 

 China: If Taiwan goes independent, that means war. 

Yen slides to 24-year low against dollar. 

Crisis-hit Sri Lanka allows gov’t workers 4-day week to grow food. 

AFRICA 

Congo military accuses Rwanda of invasion; rebels seize town. 

UN urges ‘immediate’ halt to cross-border clashes in eastern DRC. 

Anti-Rwanda tensions boil over in eastern DR Congo city of Goma. 

Under military rule, violence rises in Mali, Burkina Faso. 

Ethiopia’s Abiy says body formed to negotiate with Tigray rebels. 

Somali president picks lawmaker Hamza Abdi Barre as prime minister. 

EUROPE 

 French, German and Italian leaders to meet Zelensky in Kyiv. 

NATO defense ministers to discuss Russian security threat. 

Gazprom to further cut gas supplies to Germany via Nord Stream. 

Russian Central Bank cuts key rate as inflation eases. 

Russia rakes in nearly $20bn from oil exports in May. 

EU eyes Israeli natural gas in deal with Egypt. 

EU launches legal action against UK over post-Brexit deal on Northern Ireland. 

UK deportations to Rwanda stalled as European Court steps in. 

AMERICAS 

Biden chastises oil industry over fuel costs. 

Fauci has COVID: Biden's pandemic tsar, 81, is struck down with virus and claims he has had no recent contact with the president. 

US panel recommends Covid vaccines for youngest children. 

Venezuela president talks cooperation with Qatar emir. 

Denmark and Canada strike deal to end 50-year row over Arctic island. 

Ecuador judge orders release of arrested Indigenous leader. 

Over a third of US population urged to stay indoors amid record-breaking heat. 

After Yellowstone, floodwaters near Montana’s largest city. 

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR 

France claims capture of senior IS figure in Mali. 

Jihadi attacks mount in Burkina Faso despite junta’s efforts. 

Life after Guantanamo: 'We are still in jail'. 

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS 

Stocks rally after Fed’s big rate hike to fight inflation. 

Oil supply fears mount as OPEC underperforms. 

Global food prices are soaring. Rice could be next.

World News Briefs -- May 13, 2022 (Evening Edition)

 

Daily Mail: Kim Jong-Un says North Korea is facing a 'great disaster' as the country reports 21 new Covid deaths - just two days after it admitted its first EVER case of the virus 

* North Korea reported 21 new deaths yesterday amid Covid outbreak, state said 

* Kim Jong-Un has called virus breakout a 'great disaster' and 'huge disruption' 

* The insular state's leaders has called for unity between government and people 

North Korea reported 21 new deaths on Friday, from people with fevers amid its first Cvoid-19 outbreak, which leader Kim Jong-Un has called a 'great disaster,' state news agency reported today.

During a meeting on anti-virus strategies on Saturday, he described the breakout as a historically 'huge disruption' and called for unity between the government and people, to stabilise it as quickly as possible.  

Read more .... 

 MIDDLE EAST 

 Iran arrests dozens protesting sudden price hike in food staples. 

'They're imposing famine on us’: Soaring food prices fuel angry protests in Iran. 

EU sees reopening of Iran nuclear talks but US cautious. 

Israel fires missiles at central Syrian town, killing 5: Reports. 

After Syria trip, ICRC head says Assad 'aware of pressure of international environment'. 

Israeli police clash with mourners at funeral of slain Palestinian journalist. 

Israeli police attack funeral procession for shot journalist Shireen Abu Aqleh. 

France condemns arrest of two citizens in Iran. 

Overseas Lebanese vote in key poll with high stakes for crises-hit country. 

UAE President Sheikh Khalifa dies at 73. 

ASIA 

Sri Lankans running out of food, fuel and medicine.

Sri Lanka economy crisis to get worse before it gets better, PM says. 

Biden touts 'free and open' Indo-Pacific in summit with ASEAN rulers. 

Bridge in disputed territory between China and India sparks concern. 

Shanghai moves to impose tightest restrictions yet. 

Locked down Shanghai aims to eliminate Covid over the next week. 

 21 more dead as North Korea battles Covid outbreak. 

Tajik president discusses situation in Afghanistan with Putin. 

Blistering heatwave sweeps South Asia as mercury in Pakistan soars to 50C. 

NZ prime minister Ardern tests positive for Covid-19. 

Ferdinand Marcos Jr allies seize control of Philippines Congress after election victory. 

AFRICA 

South Africa's COVID-19 spike intensifies. 

Niger: NGOs complain over alleged loss of $99m in state funds. 

Sudanese protests against military rule persist. 

Somalia finally holds long-delayed election. 

Ten Nigerian cabinet ministers resign to run in 2023 polls. 

Climate change doubled chance of South African floods that killed 435 people, analysis shows. 

Slavery still exists in Mauritania - UN envoy. 

 EUROPE 

Biden speaks to leaders of Finland, Sweden about NATO membership. 

Finland Nato: Russia threatens to retaliate over membership move. 

Russian operator to suspend electricity supply to Finland. 

 Reports about possible halt in gas supplies to Finland from May 13 are a hoax — Kremlin. 

Hungary 'holding EU decision makers hostage' over Russia oil embargo: Lithuanian FM. 

Russia expels Romanian, Bulgarian diplomats in tit-for-tat move. 

Georgia's separatist South Ossetia region to hold referendum on joining Russia. 

Recession fears grow in the UK as rising prices hit spending. 

AMERICAS 

United States passes one million Covid deaths. 

Biden calls on states to ‘fund the police,’ mental health programs using federal money. 

‘Hurt, angry, anxious, scared’: Converging crises lead to US baby formula shortage. 

House Democrats urge Biden to lift Venezuela sanctions. 

Pope to visit Canada in July to meet residential school survivors. 

Body of last missing person recovered after explosion at Cuba's Hotel Saratoga, raising death toll to 45. 

Fatal boat trip highlights Haitians fleeing violence. 

'One of the greatest mysteries of our time': Congress to hold UFO hearing next week. 

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR 

US increases sanctions to fight ISIS financing. 

Mossad reportedly thwarted IRGC assassination of US General in Germany. 

Putin, Tajikistan’s Rakhmon discuss increased activity of terror groups in Afghanistan. 

The new global terrorism hotspot is Sub-Saharan Africa 

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS 

Stocks rise on Wall Street, still headed for 6th weekly loss. 

Bitcoin tumbles, a stablecoin plunges in wild week in crypto. 

Oil rises 4% as US gasoline prices jump to record high. 

G7: Germany seeks 'powerful sign of unity' for Ukraine. 

Elon Musk puts Twitter deal on hold over fake account details. 

Apple loses position as most valuable firm amid tech sell-off.

World News Briefs -- May 4, 2022 (Night Edition)

 

 Daily Mail: Zelensky pleads with the UN to 'save all the wounded from Azovstal' - with new three-day ceasefire to allow civilians to be evacuated from the devastated steel plant set to begin this morning 

* Zelensky called on the UN to 'assist in the removal of all wounded from Azovstal'

* 'We ask for your help in saving them,' Zelensky told UN chief Antonio Guterres 

* It comes as Russia declares three-day ceasefire in Mariupol starting this morning 

* More than 100 civilians were evacuated over the weekend and on Monday 

* But Russia launched fresh bombing attacks on Monday night and Tuesday 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last night appealed to the head of the United Nations to help 'save' the lives of the remaining wounded Ukrainians under siege at the Azovstal steel plant in the decimated city of Mariupol. 

He was speaking ahead of a new ceasefire in the area, due to start at 8am local time this morning, which the Kremlin said would allow civilians to be evacuated. 

Zelensky made his call while speaking to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres yesterday. 

Read more .... 

MIDDLE EAST 

Hamas warns Israel ‘playing with fire’ as Temple Mount groups plan Thursday visit. 

Russia accuses Israel of backing ‘neo-Nazis’ in Kyiv as diplomatic row grows. 

Estimated 3,000 people flee armed clashes in northern Iraq. 

Crowds in Syria await prisoners freed in amnesty. 

Yemeni forces intercept, shoot down Saudi reconnaissance drone in Hajjah. 

UN humanitarians say $4.3 billion is needed to halt ‘worsening’ Yemen crisis. 

Death penalty on the rise in Iran: report reveals executions increased by 25% in 2021. 

Ahmadreza Djalali: Sweden alarmed by Iran's reported plan to execute doctor. 

 ASIA 

North Korea fires ballistic missile amid growing nuclear threat. 

New Zealand foreign minister blames ‘relationship failure’ for China-Solomons security deal. 

Beijing orders ‘stress test’ as fears of Russia-style sanctions mount. 

Beijing imposes new transit restrictions in bid to contain COVID. 

First deaths confirmed while dozens still missing following building collapse in Chinese city of Changsha.  

Sri Lanka crisis will last at least two more years: govt. 

Australia election: Interest rates rise for first time in decade. 

RBI repo rate: India central bank hikes interest rates after two years. 

AFRICA 

Mali: Military government breaks defence accords with France. 

France says Mali’s decision to quit defence accords won’t affect withdrawal plans. 

 HRW warns of evidence of CAR massacre by 'Russian-speaking men'. 

UN chief asks for safe return conditions for Nigeria’s displaced. 

Seven dead in attack on Chibok community in northeast Nigeria. 

Guinea issues charges against deposed leader Alpha Conde. 

More than 36,000 refugees flee to Niger this year: UN. 

 EUROPE 

Ukraine war: Russia denies it plans to declare war on 9 May. 

EU president Ursula von der Leyen calls for ban on Russian oil imports in new set of sanctions over Ukraine invasion. 

 European Commission calls for new sanctions on Russia. 

Hungary risks further isolation by refusing to support EU oil embargo. 

EU to ‘significantly increase’ military aid to Moldova. 

Germany warns prices may spike as Russia sanctions tighten. 

Northern Ireland set to vote in election poised to make history. 

 France elections: Left forms coalition to fight Macron. 

Bosnia announces vote date despite rows over electoral reform. 

Sweden says US has offered security guarantees if it applies to join Nato. 

AMERICAS 

US makes biggest interest rate rise in 22 years. 

US Supreme Court says draft opinion on overturning abortion rights is authentic. 

Brazil’s ex-president Lula claims Zelenskiy equally to blame for war. 

Colombia extradites major drug trafficker ‘Otoniel’ to US. 

UN raises concern over Haitian gangs’ recruitment of children. 

Falklands War remains 'an open wound' in Argentina, says ambassador. 

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR 

 Islamic State claims responsibility for string of deadly attacks across Afghanistan. 

Al-Shabab attack on African Union forces in Somalia: What we know. 

Exposing al Qaeda's Secrets: Inside the documents obtained from Osama bin Laden's compound. 

 ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS 

Markets cheer after Powell downplays even larger rate hikes. 

Asian stocks rise after Fed chair downplays bigger rate hike. 

US trade deficit hits record as goods imports surge. 

OPEC+ eye modest supply boost as demand dented by China Covid rules. 

UK MPs invite Musk to be quizzed on Twitter plans.

World News Briefs -- April 28, 2022 (Evening Edition)

Putin fired the missiles at Kyiv during the meeting between the Ukrainian president and the UN Secretary-General  

Daily Mail: Putin thumbs his nose at the world again: New Russian missile strikes hit Kyiv DURING UN Secretary-General's visit to the Ukrainian capital - killing at least one and injuring more just two days after he sat down for talks in Moscow with despot 

* Russian missiles bombarded Kyiv during the visit of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres this evening 

* The missile strike came barely an hour after President Zelenskyy had held a news conference with Guterres 

* The UN Secretary-General trip to Kyiv came two days after he was in Moscow to sit at Putin's long table 

* It is the first such bombardment of Ukraine's capital since mid-April and at least one person killed in the attack 

Vladimir Putin has launched a new double missile attack at Kyiv during the visit of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres just two days after he sat down with the Russian dictator in Moscow. 

At least one person was killed and several injured, including some who were trapped beneath the rubble in the western part of the city centre, according to rescue officials. 

The bombardment came barely an hour after President Zelenskyy held a news conference with the UN Secretary-General, who said Ukraine has become 'an epicentre of unbearable heartache and pain.'  

Read more .... 

MIDDLE EAST 

Turkey’s military operation causes controversy, division in Iraq. 

Erdogan meets Saudi crown prince on first visit since Khashoggi's killing. 

Israeli air raids in Syria kills nine: War monitor. 

Israel launches deadly air strikes on ammunition depot, targets in Syria. 

Sirens bring Israel to a standstill to mark Holocaust Remembrance Day. 

Death threat in envelope containing a bullet sent to Israel PM's eldest son. 

Iran executions: Alarming rise in use of death penalty in 2021 - report. 

Yemen: Saudi Arabia to release 163 Houthi prisoners. 

ASIA 

COVID-hit Beijing keeps up guard to avoid Shanghai-like misery. 

Beijing locals buy fridges, stockpile food after Shanghai residents warn COVID outbreak will 'get serious'. 

China slams US and UK over Taiwan. 

Leaked documents reveal Chinese company's aviation plans for Solomon Islands to become a 'regional hub'. 

Japan edges from pacifism to more robust defense stance. 

South Korea arrests businessman, army captain on spying charges. 

Heatwave in India leaves millions struggling to cope. 

Extreme heatwave in India and Pakistan causes power and water shortages. 

 AFRICA 

Sudan: West Darfur clashes leave 200 dead. 

Mali's military junta accuses France of spying after video emerges of mass grave. 

French army rejects Mali's accusations of espionage, violation of airspace. 

War in Ukraine is compounding Africa's food crisis. 

Ukraine war fallout could fuel unrest in Africa - IMF. 

 Burkina Faso junta defends three-year plan for transition to constitutional rule. 

Algeria threatens to cut gas contract with Spain. 

Central African Republic adopts bitcoin as an official currency, a first in Africa. 

EUROPE 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky invited to 2022 G20 summit. 

Russia's Gazprom halts gas supplies to Poland, Bulgaria. 

European Union accuses Russia of using gas to blackmail member nations as Poland says they don't need Russian gas. 

Putin gas cutoff shakes up Europe at little cost to Kremlin. 

Germany top buyer of Russian energy since Ukraine invasion began: report. 

German inflation hits 4-decade high for single month. 

Swedish PM rejects referendum on possible NATO membership.  

Croatia backtracks on Finnish and Swedish NATO membership comments. 

EU triggers rule of law procedure against Hungary. 

EU estimates up to 80% of population has had COVID. 

AMERICAS 

America is 'OUT of the pandemic phase': Fauci confirms Covid-19 infections are 'at a low level' but people should still get 'intermittently' vaccinated. 

US economy shrinks, threats loom, but growth likely to last. 

Hillary Clinton says Madeleine Albright had 'blunt warnings' about fascism and authoritarianism and references January 6 and Putin at her funeral alongside Biden, the Obamas, the Clintons and the DC elite. 

British Virgin Islands premier arrested on cocaine charges in US sting operation. 

Brazil: UN claims corruption probe violated ex-president Lula's rights. 

8 dead, 11 injured in fighting at Mexican cement plant. 

Latin American nations ease restrictions as COVID cases drop. 

Haiti’s deadly gang violence spikes, families caught in crossfire. 

Colombia conflict: Soldiers passed off killed civilians as rebels. 

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR 

Several killed in suspected ISIL attack on northeast Syria iftar. 

 Islamic State claims deadly bomb blasts on minibuses in Afghan city. 

Guantanamo court weighs testimony from alternative suspect in USS Cole case. 

Pakistan: Woman suicide bomber change in Baloch rebels’ strategy? 

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS 

How major US stock indexes fared Thursday. 

Stocks rally on Wall Street as technology giants rebound. 

Possibility of ‘large’ economic shocks in future, Yellen warns. 

Oil spikes after EU says Russian embargo 'imminent' as Germany drops opposition. 

'Extremely' rare 15-carat blue diamond sells at auction for almost $60 million.

World News Briefs -- April 26, 2022 (Evening Edition)

Lavrov, speaking to Russian state TV, said tensions between east and west are now at a worse point than during the Cuban missile crisis at the height of the Cold War  

Daily Mail: Russia is at WAR with NATO and there is now a real chance the conflict will turn NUCLEAR, Kremlin foreign minister Sergei Lavrov warns 

* Sergei Lavrov warned east-west tensions are now worse than they were during the Cold War 

* The foreign minister accused NATO of fighting a proxy war with Russia in Ukraine to 'wear out' its army 

* The Kremlin loyalist said the risk of nuclear war is now 'very significant' and 'cannot be underestimated' 

* Ukraine said Lavrov's 'scaremongering' is a sign he 'senses defeat' in the war Russia's top diplomat has warned that NATO is now fighting a proxy war with Russia in Ukraine and there is a 'very serious' risk the conflict could turn nuclear. 

Sergei Lavrov, speaking on Russian state TV last night, accused western leaders of risking a third world war by supplying heavy weapons to Ukraine with the goal of 'wearing down the Russian army' - an aim he described as an 'illusion'. 

Accusing NATO and its allies of attempting to bully Russia on the international stage, Lavrov said that tensions between east and west are now worse than during the Cuban missile crisis at the height of the Cold War. 

Read more .... 

MIDDLE EAST 

Blinken defends Iran deal talks against congressional criticism. 

Time running out to reach Iran nuclear deal, warn experts. 

Saudi Arabia,  France launch humanitarian projects in Lebanon. 

The war in Ukraine is driving hunger in Lebanon. 

Lebanon's first post-collapse elections unlikely to bring desired change. 

Erdogan plans visit to Saudi Arabia, mending strained ties. 

Palestinian shot dead in Israeli 'counter-terror' West Bank raid. 

ASIA 

Beijing begins mass-testing residents as COVID-19 outbreak emerges in Chaoyang district. 

COVID: Beijing residents stock up as city braces for new wave. 

China reports first human case of H3N8 bird flu. 

Australian opposition party vows to train Pacific armies. 

China rebukes Australia’s ‘wild remarks’ on war. 

Ukraine apologises after backlash over Hirohito image in anti-fascism video. 

US asset freezes worsen Afghan women's suffering - UN experts. 

Temperatures to top 110 in New Delhi as searing heat wave bakes India. 

AFRICA 

Tigray rebels announce pullout from neighbouring region. 

Sudan: More troops deployed to Darfur after tribal clashes. 

Burkina tries 'dialogue' tack in search for solutions against jihadists. 

Horn of Africa: Donors pledge $1.4 billion amid starvation warning. 

'It's a policy of invasion': ADF rebels expand attacks in DR Congo. 

Libya misses out on oil price boom as political divide continues. 

Tunisian opposition announces alliance against president. 

Second Ebola death confirmed in DR Congo. 

 EUROPE 

U.S. Defense chief Lloyd Austin rallies Europe to help Ukraine fight Russia. 

Ruble payment mechanism in effect – Kremlin. 

Poland confirms Russian gas supply to be halted. 

Bulgaria confirms Russian gas to be halted. 

Ruble hits near 2-year high against euro. 

Ukraine-Russia war: Greek government and public don't see eye to eye. 

Winner of Slovenia vote hopes to form government by mid-June. 

AMERICAS 

Biden doubles down on commitment to Ukraine in fight with Putin. 

Harris tests positive for COVID-19. 

Nearly 60% of US population had Covid by February. 

US justice chief: seized Russian funds should go 'directly' to Ukraine. 

State Dept offering $10 million for information on Russian cyber criminals. 

US says ready for migrant surge after Covid rules lifted. 

Colombia reports 52 activists killed already this year. 

 El Salvador anti-gang measures 'a success' as 17,000 held. 

Colombia: Former army officials admit role in killing civilians. 

Mexico says coronavirus now endemic, not pandemic. 

Brazil court deals blow to massive Amazon gold mine project. 

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS 

US stocks sink to their lowest in 6 weeks; Nasdaq drops 3.9%. 

How major US stock indexes fared Tuesday. 

Ukraine war to cause biggest price shock in 50 years - World Bank. 

Russian court freezes Google assets. 

Twitter takeover: EU and UK warn Elon Musk must comply or face sanctions. 

Google parent Alphabet misses estimates on YouTube, Europe ads.

World News Briefs -- April 25, 2022 (Night Edition)

 

Daily Mail: It's verified! Elon Musk buys Twitter for $54.20 per share in takeover deal worth $44BN and promises 'new features, to defeat spam bots and to make the algorithms open source to increase trust' 

* The founder of Tesla and SpaceX, 50, agreed to pay shareholders $54.20 in cash for each share 

* The move shifts control of the social media platform populated by millions of users to the world's richest man 

* The Tesla magnate vowed to protect free speech online, 'defeat the spam bots' and 'authenticate all humans' 

* He said he would 'enhance the product with new features' and 'make algorithms open source to increase trust' 

* Parag Agrawal said he was 'proud of our teams and inspired by the work that has never been more important' 

* Chair Bret Taylor said the board 'conducted thoughtful and comprehensive process to assess Elon's proposal' 

Elon Musk has seized control of Twitter for $44billion as weeks of rollercoaster negotiations finally came to a close Monday afternoon. 

The billionaire agreed to pay shareholders $54.20 in cash for each share of common stock before the bombshell deal was struck. 

The move shifts control of the social media platform populated by millions of users and global leaders to the world's richest person.

Read more .... 

MIDDLE EAST 

Israel announces retaliatory strike on southern Lebanon after rocket fire. 

Israel retaliates with artillery after rocket fired from Lebanon. 

Iran urges new nuclear meet 'as soon as possible'. 

Oman secures release of 14 foreigners held in Yemen: Ministry. 

Turkey blocks Russian flights to Syria. 

Turkish court sentences Erdogan critic Kavala to life in jail. 

Lebanon rescue teams search for survivors from sunk migrant boat. 

 ASIA 

Beijing kicks off mass testing after spike in Covid cases. 

Fear of lockdown sparks panic buying in Bejing following Covid outbreak. 

Shanghai erects metal barriers in fight against COVID-19. 

 Australia warns China of ‘red line’.  

‘Failed state’: Sri Lanka’s Buddhist leaders want gov’t to resign. 

N. Korea’s Kim vows to bolster nuke capability during parade. 

Japan: Inflation rises due to COVID and Ukraine war. 

India: States prepare as COVID cases rise again. 

Extreme poverty in India has been cut by half, World Bank says . 

Pakistan seeks more funds from IMF. Indonesia bans palm oil exports. 

Anzac Day dawn service returns to Gallipoli for the first time since 2019. 

AFRICA 

Several soldiers killed, dozens injured in attacks in Mali. 

Tigray rebels leave Ethiopia’s Afar region: TPLF spokesperson. 

UN urges probe as 168 killed in Sudan's Darfur. 

Germany opens trial of Gambia death squad suspect. 

Rwanda defends controversial asylum pact with the United Kingdom. 

Explosion at Nigerian illegal oil refinery kills more than 100. 

Algeria will not abandon its commitment to supply Spain with gas, Tebboune says.

Guinea and Burkina Faso risk more sanctions over transition delay. 

 EUROPE 

Macron re-elected as French voters hold off Le Pen’s far right once more. 

EU leaders congratulate French president Macron in sigh of relief. 

As it happened: World hails Macron victory as French rivals vow fight over June legislative vote. 

EC chief: Russian aggression is threat to Europe’s security. 

Putin blasts US-led West’s ‘sanctions aggression’, calls to defend entrepreneurs’ rights. 

Putin outlines position on foreign firms. 

Putin claims FSB foiled western plot to kill pro-Kremlin journalist. 

Russia expels 40 German diplomats in tit-for-tat move. 

Slovenia: Newcomer set to oust right-wing premier Jansa. 

AMERICAS 

White House: Without funding US will lose COVID treatments. 

Judge finds Donald Trump in contempt in New York legal fight. 

El Salvador extends state of emergency to curb gang violence. 

Nicaragua announces withdrawal from Organization of American States despite bloc's objections. 

Number of US police officers murdered up by 59% - FBI. 

Royal couple told of Antigua and Barbuda's wish to be republic. 

Cuba accuses US of trying to exclude it from regional summit. 

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR 

Mali jihadist group claims capture of Russian Wagner group fighter. 

'Fear and terror': Inside Gaza militants' tunnel network. 

Middle East: ‘No justification’ for terrorism or violence against civilians, Security Council hears. 

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS 

Stocks recover much of their early losses on Wall Street. 

Stock markets tumble over China lockdown fears. 

Tesla stock slips 2% after Elon Musk finalizes $44billion Twitter takeover as experts warn he 'risks stretching himself too far' with acquisition of yet another company. 

Bitcoin extends losses as investors shy away from risky assets. 

EU, India agree to deepen trade and tech ties amid Ukraine conflict. 

Oil falls as China’s COVID-19 outbreak imperils demand outlook.