As several nations update their travel advisories in response to stricter US entry regulations, many travellers are asking: where else offers a similar experience? In recent months, travellers from Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany and the UK have all received alerts about changes to US travel rules. These revised advisories reflect heightened security measures, including requirements that transgender applicants select either male or female when completing Esta forms or visa paperwork.

The death of a prominent Libyan militia leader, long accused of severe abuses against migrants and suspected of committing crimes against humanity, has ignited violent clashes in Tripoli, leaving at least six people dead. Abdel Ghani al-Kikli, popularly known as Gheniwa, who led the influential Stability Support Apparatus (SSA) militia based in the crowded Abu Salim district, was reportedly killed Monday night at the headquarters of the Libyan army’s 444th Combat Brigade, according to a

The Episcopal Church’s migration services have chosen to defy a recent federal directive to assist in the resettlement of white South African refugees, citing their deep-rooted dedication to issues of racial equity and healing. Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe announced the decision on Monday, just as 59 South African nationals arrived via private charter at Dulles International Airport near Washington, D.C., where they were received by U.S. officials. Rowe explained that, as a result, Episcopal

Researchers have found that the top 10 percent of global earners are responsible for about two-thirds of the planet’s warming since 1990. According to a new study published Wednesday in the journal Nature Climate Change, the consumption habits and investment choices of the wealthy have significantly elevated the threat of extreme weather events like heatwaves and droughts. Recommended Stories Harvesting Rain How performative feminism abandoned environmental justice On May Day, workers demand

NEW YORK, May 10 (Reuters) - Health and wellness firms are adapting quickly to the rising popularity of weight-loss medications, crafting new services around these treatments in hopes of avoiding the same downturn that led WeightWatchers to declare bankruptcy this week. The surge in demand for these powerful drugs has reshaped the entire industry practically overnight. While established firms like WeightWatchers falter, newer telehealth startups are facing regulatory headwinds. U.S. authorities

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has described the UK’s vision for a deeper trading relationship with the European Union as “ambitious,” asserting that the country has psychologically moved beyond the Brexit divide. Addressing the public ahead of a UK-EU summit, Starmer encouraged the nation to "look ahead, not behind," signalling the beginning of a new chapter in the UK’s association with the European bloc. Following a week that saw the UK reach trade agreements with both the United

Food support for one million refugees in Uganda has been entirely halted this week due to a funding shortfall at the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), sparking alarm that displaced people might be forced to return to conflict-ridden nations. WFP Uganda recently warned that an urgent injection of $50 million (£37m) is needed to assist individuals escaping violence from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, and Sudan. Uganda currently shelters the largest refugee population

On Thursday, France will host nationwide commemorations at war memorials to pay tribute to those who lost their lives during the Second World War, as it observes the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. This remains a national holiday in France, as it is every year. President Emmanuel Macron will lead the ceremonies in Paris, beginning with laying a wreath at the statue of Charles de Gaulle. He’ll proceed along the Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe, where he will reignite the

REAL ID Requirement for US Domestic Flights Beginning tomorrow, a new identification policy goes into effect for U.S. air travel, impacting many American citizens and permanent residents. This week, the U.S. government will launch a significant update to its travel regulations, a move that has been nearly two decades in development. Starting on 7 May, standard state-issued driver’s licences or IDs will no longer be accepted at airport security for domestic flights. Instead, travelers must

WASHINGTON (AP) — As Japan’s chief trade negotiator headed to Washington for another round of tariff negotiations last week, a bipartisan Japanese group promoting “Japan-China Friendship” completed its visit to Beijing. Just a week before, the leader of the junior partner in Japan’s ruling coalition visited Beijing, carrying a personal message from newly elected Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to Chinese President Xi Jinping. While the contents of the letter remain private, discussions

LOS ANGELES, May 4 (Reuters) – “Thunderbolts,” the latest entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, launched the summer movie season with a global box office haul of $162 million over the weekend, kicking off an important stretch for Hollywood’s annual earnings. The superhero ensemble film, centered around a group of unlikely allies banding together to face off against a formidable villain, earned $76 million in domestic markets—namely the United States and Canada—according to distributor Walt

Each spring, for just a brief two-week stretch, a rare variety of violet artichoke is hand-harvested on the northern islands of Venice — and locals go to great lengths to preserve its authenticity. As sunlight dances across the shimmering waters, Venetian farmer Guia da Camerino guides her small boat around the briccole — wooden posts that subtly demarcate the lagoon’s watery paths. Just beyond the bustling maze of Venice’s city centre, the tranquil islands of Sant’Erasmo and Le Vignole offer

Brittney Griner and Stylist Courtney Mays Bring Athletic Style to the Met Gala HOUSTON (AP) — When Brittney Griner made history by becoming the first WNBA player to attend the Met Gala in 2023—just months following her release from a Russian prison in a high-profile exchange—she exuded modern sophistication in a custom Calvin Klein ensemble. Her standout look was crafted by celebrity stylist Courtney Mays, who’s spent over ten years curating wardrobes for elite athletes. Dressing any star for

One of the world’s rarest amphibians — the ancient, aquatic axolotl — has shown signs of adapting successfully to a new setting after scientists introduced it into man-made wetlands in Mexico. Offering a ray of optimism for the endangered species known as Ambystoma mexicanum, a group of researchers recently placed 18 axolotls bred in captivity into two specially constructed wetland habitats near Mexico City, an initiative aimed at reversing the trend of population decline caused by pollution

The U.S. administration has expressed disappointment over the way President Donald Trump's special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, is conducting talks with Russia, according to a report by the New York Post. Witkoff, who represents Trump’s interests in the Middle East, is also involved in direct communication with Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to insider sources cited by the newspaper, Witkoff has been attending high-level discussions alone and has, on occasion,

• The United Nations plans to reduce its humanitarian support in Ukraine following a significant decline in funding, according to Joyce Msuya of the UN’s humanitarian co-ordination office. Speaking at a UN Security Council session on Tuesday, Msuya explained that while the UN had sought $2.63 billion in January to assist six million Ukrainians in need, they have revised their target to help 4.8 million people with $1.75 billion. This adjustment follows what she called a "steep

Aldrich Ames Spy Case Retold For nearly ten years, Aldrich Ames handed over classified information to the Soviet Union, sabotaging over 100 covert operations and directly resulting in the execution of at least 10 allied operatives. On April 28, 1994, his betrayal led to a life sentence in prison. Two months earlier, the BBC interviewed one of the spies he exposed—who, against all odds, survived. The year was 1985 when Soviet assets secretly working for the CIA began vanishing. One after

Stretching from Inverness all the way to Britain’s northernmost rail junction, the Far North Line glides through grazing pastures, rustic communities, and the planet’s only Unesco-recognised blanket peatland. As the train slowly eases out of Inverness Station and ventures into the Scottish Highlands, a wave of excitement courses through me. I once spent four summers working in these wild parts, and the deep ties to this dramatic terrain still stir my heart. At last, I'm back—reuniting my

Landmine Treaty Under Threat Ten years ago in Mozambique, representatives from numerous nations gathered with a shared mission: to eliminate one of warfare’s most devastating remnants. Buoyed by a breakthrough agreement prohibiting landmine use, production, and hoarding, they boldly set a target to finish the job by 2025. Now, with that deadline upon us, the landscape has shifted dramatically. Five European NATO countries bordering Russia have declared plans to exit the treaty. They justify

A solemn farewell is unfolding in Vatican City as thousands have gathered to honor Pope Francis, remembered for his devotion to the marginalized and his transformative vision for the Catholic Church. Silence filled the moment before the ceremony began. Applause echoed across St. Peter's Square as the pope’s casket emerged from the great basilica in a dignified procession just after 10 a.m. local time (4 a.m. ET). The funeral Mass is being conducted on the basilica’s grand steps, a sacred