Russia-Ukraine Black Sea deal: What is it, and will it work?

The Trump administration approved a $310 million sale of F-16 fighter jet parts and training to Ukraine, marking its first military aid to the country, which Ukraine is purchasing, following a memorandum to exploit Ukraine's mineral resources. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy emphasized this partnership as a commitment to Ukraine's long-term prosperity, while the U.S. began to step back from mediating peace efforts, leaving the resolution of the conflict to Ukraine and Russia. Despite a proposed ceasefire,...

Vivienne Isebor founded the ADHD Babes community group in 2020 to provide support for Black women and non-binary individuals diagnosed with ADHD, recognizing a lack of resources tailored for them. Initially starting on Facebook, the group has grown to over 300 members worldwide, offering emotional support, workshops, and social events aimed at fostering joy and connection beyond just discussing ADHD challenges. Vivienne, who left her NHS job to focus on ADHD Babes full-time, emphasized the...

For the first time in history, the Roman Catholic Church has elected an American pope, Robert Francis Prevost, who has taken the name Leo XIV. Born in Chicago in 1955 and raised in Dolton, Illinois, Prevost's ecclesiastical career includes roles in Peru and leadership positions within the Order of St. Augustine, culminating in his promotion to cardinal in 2024. Despite facing allegations regarding his oversight of abuse cases, Prevost has been a proponent of outreach...

Summary In a recent BBC interview, Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly emphasized Canada’s over-reliance on the U.S. and its desire to strengthen ties with Europe, echoing similar sentiments expressed by Prime Minister Carney. This concept of being the "most European of non-European countries" draws on Canada's historical and cultural connections, particularly its bilingual nature and architectural similarities to Europe, notably in Quebec and Montreal. Scholars have noted that Canada's governance, social systems, and international alignments...

The Bolivian government has condemned Israel's recent military campaign in the Gaza Strip, labeling it a "massive invasion" and a serious violation of human rights. In a statement, Bolivia reiterated its support for the Palestinian people, urging the international community to take immediate action against what it calls a potential genocide. This condemnation follows Bolivia's history of severing diplomatic ties with Israel due to its military actions, with officials describing Israel's conduct as "crimes against...

The Bank of England's governor, Andrew Bailey, stated that while Britain's recent trade deal with the US is positive, it still results in a higher effective tariff rate compared to pre-Trump levels, causing uncertainty for British businesses. He emphasized that the UK economy's outlook is heavily influenced by global trade agreements, predicting a 0.3% decrease in GDP over three years due to ongoing trade tensions. The BoE recently reduced its interest rate to 4.25% amid...