Intense Israeli attacks cause carnage in Lebanon’s capital, Beirut

Former transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg is expected to announce that he will not run for Michigan's open Senate seat, potentially paving the way for a 2028 presidential bid. His decision to skip the 2026 Senate race allows for an easier transition to a future White House run, amid concerns of vulnerability to "carpetbagger" attacks due to his recent move to Michigan in 2022. As potential contenders for the Senate race emerge, Buttigieg's husband, Chasten Buttigieg,...

Keir Starmer has scrapped NHS England in a move to empower NHS staff and improve efficiency in public services. The organization, described as the "world's largest quango", will now be brought back into the Department of Health and Social Care to cut bureaucracy and focus resources on frontline services. The transition is expected to take around two years, with the aim of delivering significant savings and shifting towards digital, preventive, and community-based healthcare. Full Article

Sir Keir Starmer has announced the abolition of NHS England to prioritize frontline services and shift resources to patient care, aiming to reduce bureaucracy and increase funding for nurses. The move, which includes bringing NHS management under democratic control, follows a recent leadership shakeup at NHS England due to perceived duplication of roles and wasted resources, with a focus on streamlining operations and cutting waiting times for patients. Full Article

Russia has expressed its readiness to engage in discussions with the United States over a potential peace initiative, following recent talks between U.S. and Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia. Maria Zakharova, a spokeswoman for Russia’s Foreign Ministry, confirmed that the country is prepared to discuss the peace proposal with U.S. representatives as early as Thursday, after Ukraine indicated its willingness to accept a 30-day ceasefire proposed by the U.S. This announcement follows recent developments involving...

President Trump's trade war is escalating, with the European Union and Canada imposing retaliatory tariffs on U.S. exports. World leaders are benefiting domestically by opposing Trump's tactics, such as threatening tariffs and insulting allies. The "rally 'round the flag" effect is boosting approval ratings for leaders like Canada's Mark Carney and Mexico's Claudia Sheinbaum who stand up to Trump, while those who back down, like Colombia's Gustavo Petro, face consequences. Full Article

Spain's leftist government, the smallest spender on defence in Nato, faces resistance as it seeks to increase military budget to meet European demands. Amid concerns over Russia's invasion of Ukraine and US security guarantees, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez aims to reach the two-percent Nato benchmark, but faces opposition from separatist and far-left parties. Public opinion in Spain, historically shaped by General Franco's dictatorship, prioritizes health and education over military spending, despite Sánchez's support for Ukraine...