Iceland votes for a new parliament after political disagreements force an early election

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani affirmed Iraq's stance on designating the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) as a banned organization during a press conference with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara. He emphasized Iraq's commitment to preventing any group from using its territory to attack neighboring countries and highlighted the importance of security cooperation while respecting national sovereignty. Additionally, Al-Sudani addressed water management issues, noting ongoing discussions to establish a fair mechanism that benefits...

Confusion initially enveloped St. Peter's Square as Cardinal Dominique Mamberti announced the election of Pope Leo XIV, with cheers erupting at "habemus papam" but the name itself lost in the noise. American pride surged among some, like Alec Maddox and his brothers, despite their limited knowledge of the new pontiff, who is viewed as a moderate favoring a pastoral approach. Opinions varied, with some expressing disappointment over the U.S. influence in the decision, while others...

India has suspended the Indian Premier League (IPL) due to escalating tensions with Pakistan, following the relocation of the Pakistan Super League to the UAE. The IPL Governing Council made the decision after consultations with stakeholders amid concerns over safety, particularly after a recent attack in Kashmir that killed 26 tourists and subsequent missile strikes by India on alleged terrorist sites in Pakistan. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has warned of consequences for India's actions,...

Peter Foote founded the Mt Dobson Ski Area following a falling out, showcasing remarkable determination and resourcefulness by constructing the ski field access road himself in 1976 using a $2000 bulldozer. At 82 years old, he is now selling the ski field, emphasizing its high altitude and dependable snow. Foote reflects on his journey, expressing amazement at his accomplishment of transforming a mountain into a ski resort, a feat characterized by relentless determination and classic...

On 1 May, the US National Institutes of Health (NIH), the largest public funder of biomedical research worldwide, announced a new policy that prohibits all foreign sub-awards. This decision is expected to impact South African clinical studies significantly, as billions of rands in research grants are unlikely to be renewed over the coming year. Reports from GroundUp and Spotlight highlight the potential consequences of this policy change for ongoing and future biomedical research in South...

Steep U.S. Tariffs Impacting BusinessesAmid steep new U.S. tariffs, footwear company Keen plans to keep prices steady while many others are forced to hike prices to absorb costs. Keen has diversified its supply chain beyond China to mitigate risks associated with tariffs, operating in multiple countries including the U.S., Dominican Republic, and Thailand. Experts warn that the footwear and apparel industries, heavily reliant on China, could see prices rise significantly, with average annual household spending...