- Escalating Unrest in Iran: Hundreds have been killed in nationwide protests triggered by an economic crisis, prompting Iran to warn of retaliation against U.S. military bases and Israel if attacked.
- Trump Pressure on Cuba and Venezuela: Following the U.S. seizure of Nicolás Maduro, President Trump has demanded a deal from Cuba while blocking all Venezuelan oil shipments to the island.
- Sudan Government Returns to Capital: After nearly three years of war and being driven out by paramilitary rivals, Sudan’s military-backed government has returned to the capital, Khartoum.
- Australia Bushfire Emergency: A state of emergency has been declared in Victoria as bushfires have burned nearly 900,000 acres, destroyed 300 buildings, and resulted in at least one death.
- Syrian Military Retakes Aleppo: Syrian government forces have moved into Aleppo neighborhoods following a ceasefire deal and the withdrawal of the last Kurdish forces from the city.
- Minneapolis ICE Protests: Thousands have marched in Minneapolis following the death of Renee Good; experts have criticized the Department of Homeland Security for labeling her a “domestic terrorist” to justify the shooting.
- Grok AI Blocked in Southeast Asia: Malaysia and Indonesia have blocked access to Elon Musk’s chatbot, Grok, citing a flood of sexually explicit images featuring real people produced by the AI.
- Netanyahu Aide Detained: Israeli police questioned Prime Minister Netanyahu’s chief of staff, Tzachi Braverman, over accusations that he sought to impede an investigation into a leaked document case.
- Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: A fourth infant has frozen to death in Gaza since November as displaced families face flooding, power cuts, and sub-zero temperatures in tents.
- Death of Bob Weir: Bob Weir, a co-founder of the legendary psychedelic rock group the Grateful Dead, has died at the age of 78.