World News

BASEL, Switzerland (AP) — The globe’s biggest live music spectacle reached its sparkly finale on Saturday night, as the Eurovision Song Contest grand final unfolded — a festival of melody and camaraderie, though not without controversy surrounding Israel’s role in the event. In Basel, Switzerland, performers ranged from a Swedish trio celebrating saunas to an Austrian operatic pop tenor, all eyeing the iconic microphone-shaped Eurovision trophy. As is tradition, the outcome remains delightfully

PARIS (AP) — On Friday, President Donald Trump stated that diplomacy between Russia and Ukraine is reaching a critical juncture, emphasizing that both nations are engaging sincerely and rejecting suggestions that he’s being manipulated as he pushes for a resolution to the prolonged conflict. Trump’s remarks followed a caution from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who indicated the United States might soon drop its efforts to facilitate peace if there’s no concrete advancement, following several

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian forces have detained two Chinese nationals allegedly fighting alongside Russian troops in the eastern Donetsk region, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed on Tuesday, adding that Kyiv holds evidence suggesting many more may be embedded with Russian military units. China has yet to issue a response. Although Beijing has not officially provided Russia with weaponry or tactical assistance, it remains uncertain whether these Chinese individuals joined the conflict

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — On Saturday, four Israeli female soldiers held captive by Hamas were handed over to the Red Cross in Gaza City. This followed a public parade of the hostages by the militants. Later in the day, Israel planned to release 200 Palestinian prisoners or detainees, in accordance with a fragile ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Cheers erupted in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square as hundreds of spectators, watching the events unfold on a large screen, celebrated the release. “I’m

TYRE, Lebanon (AP) — A truce between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah was showing signs of holding on Wednesday, as vehicles loaded with personal belongings headed back towards southern Lebanon. Despite this, both Israeli and Lebanese authorities cautioned civilians to avoid certain zones. If this ceasefire endures, it could signal the conclusion of a bitter 14-month-long conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. What started as sporadic clashes in mid-September escalated into a

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin made a surprise visit to Kyiv on Monday, emphasizing America’s unwavering support in providing Ukraine with the necessary resources to continue its defense against Russia. However, Austin did not signal any concrete movement towards endorsing pivotal elements of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s “victory plan.” Austin assured Ukraine that the U.S. would supply “what it needs to fight for its survival and security," during a