First of five men found alive in flooded Laos cave rescued
The first of five men found alive after being trapped for more than a week in a flooded cave in Laos has been rescued, according to the BBC.
Conflicts & Security
No deal announced after Trump meeting to make ‘final determination’ on Iran
US President Donald Trump met with top aides on Friday to make a 'final determination' on a framework for extending the ceasefire with Iran, but no deal was announced, according to BBC.
Lula Says Brazil Will Not Be Treated as ‘Tinpot Country’
Brazil’s president, Luiz Inácio da Silva, said on Friday that the country will not be treated as a 'tinpot country' following the U.S. designation of two major criminal gangs as foreign terrorist organizations.
Controversial North Korean Invasion in New Call of Duty Game
The next Call of Duty game, Modern Warfare 4, features a fictional North Korean invasion, sparking debate over turning unresolved conflict into entertainment, according to BBC.
Dawn French on Death, Animation, and West End Return
British comedian and actress Dawn French, 68, expressed deep concerns about the world her grandchild will inherit in an interview with Good Housekeeping, while also making headlines with her return to the West End and a new animated role.
Mormon Church to Build Second Temple in South Carolina
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced the site for a new temple in Greenville, South Carolina. The 8.8-acre site is located south of the intersection of Independence Boulevard/Ponders Road and Roper Mountain Road.
Hezbollah Uses Fiber-Optic Drones Against Israel, Learning from Ukraine War
Hezbollah is now using fiber-optic drones to target Israel, a tactic learned from the war in Ukraine, according to BBC. Eight of the 11 Israeli soldiers and one civilian killed since a ceasefire began in April were victims of these attacks.
Guatemala Seeks US Military Cooperation to Combat Drug Trafficking
Guatemala has requested US military cooperation to help combat drug trafficking, including access to equipment, training, and experts, according to President Bernardo Arévalo. The joint plans do not include US military operations on Guatemalan soil.
Clashes Between Armed Groups in Colombia Kill 52
At least 52 guerrilla fighters have been killed in clashes between two rival armed groups in south-east Colombia, according to a faction of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc).
US and Iran ‘Very Close’ to Deal but Not Finalized, Vance Says
The US and Iran remain close to finalizing a deal but have not yet resolved key issues, according to Vice-President JD Vance. The agreement could extend a ceasefire for 60 days and address Iran's nuclear program.
Israel hits Lebanese capital in ‘targeted strike’
Israel has struck the Lebanese capital, Beirut, for the second time since a ceasefire began last month, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
US-Iran ceasefire hangs by a thread: Are they close to peace or sliding back to war?
Negotiators from the US and Iran have reportedly agreed on a 60-day ceasefire extension, but US President Donald Trump must still approve it. According to BBC, recent military actions and conflicting statements raise questions about whether the two nations are close to peace or sliding back to war.
Ousted BP Chairman Hits Back at ‘Lies’ About His Behaviour
Albert Manifold, the ousted chairman of BP, has denied 'lies' surrounding his conduct after being removed from the role less than a year after his appointment, according to BBC.
Trump Delays Iran Strike Amid Rising Tensions
U.S. President Donald Trump has delayed a planned military strike on Iran following appeals from Gulf allies, according to a Bloomberg report. The move comes amid escalating tensions and ongoing negotiations to end the conflict.
US Returns Palestinian Rights Expert to Sanctions List
The United States government has returned the UN’s expert on the occupied Palestinian territory, Francesca Albanese, to a list of sanctioned individuals after a judge had granted a temporary injunction against the designation, according to Al Jazeera.