Russian central bank surprises markets by holding key rate at 21%

The CDC's Urgent Measles AdvisoryThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging Americans to ensure measles vaccination before international travel this summer, due to a rise in cases linked to travel, particularly a recent outbreak connected to a Turkish Airlines flight in Denver. With 1,125 cases reported this year across 33 states, Texas facing the largest outbreak, and additional cases in Canada and Mexico, the CDC warns that measles is a global concern,...

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee condemned France's initiative to recognize a Palestinian state as "revolting" amidst ongoing conflict with Hamas. He criticized the timing of the French proposal, suggesting that if France is keen on supporting a Palestinian state, they should offer part of the French Riviera instead. Huckabee emphasized that the US would not participate in such efforts and found it inappropriate for France to pressure a sovereign nation like Israel during wartime....

Mount Etna Eruption Sends Tourists ScramblingAn enormous eruption at Mount Etna, Sicily, sent a towering plume of gas, ash, and rock several kilometers into the sky, prompting panic among tourists on a guided tour. Eyewitnesses described a sudden, powerful boom, while some tourists filmed the dramatic event despite the chaos. The Sicilian Civil Protection Agency is coordinating with tour operators to ensure the safety of those affected, as Mount Etna remains a popular destination, attracting...

A complaint was filed against Nathan Prier, president of the Canadian Association of Professional Employees (CAPE), alleging he harassed and defamed Jewish members through a fake Reddit account. The complaint, submitted by Jackie Luffman, details Prier’s controversial statements about Jews and Israel, including derogatory language and comparisons of Gaza to the Warsaw Ghetto. Prier acknowledged the account, asserting his comments reflected personal beliefs and not his official role, while Luffman called for his resignation, citing...

Forecasters have indicated that the northern lights could be visible in several U.S. states tonight due to recent solar storms, including a significant coronal mass ejection. The auroras may be seen in states like Alaska, Washington, Montana, and New York, as solar activity is heightened amid the sun's 11-year cycle. For optimal viewing, it is advised to seek dark areas away from city lights and to check local weather conditions, with forecasts available on NOAA's...

The UN Secretary-General has called for an independent investigation into the reported killing of Palestinians near a US-backed aid distribution centre in Rafah, Gaza, amid conflicting claims about Israeli gunfire. Witnesses reported being shot at while waiting for aid, with the Red Cross confirming 179 casualties, including 21 deaths, while Israel denied targeting civilians and accused Hamas of spreading false narratives. Following the incident, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation dismissed the reports as fabrications, asserting no...