World

Dali Ship Operator Charged Over Deadly Baltimore Bridge Collapse U.S. federal prosecutors have filed criminal charges against the operator of the container ship Dali, which crashed into and destroyed Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge in March 2024, killing six roadway workers. The charges include misconduct and obstruction of justice. Investigators found that the ship experienced electrical failures before the collision, yet the operator allowed it to depart despite known safety concerns. Prosecutors allege the company attempted to alter navigation records after the crash to impede the investigation. ...

Hegseth Faces Bipartisan Scrutiny Over Mounting Iran War Costs US Defense Secretary Hegseth faced joint questioning from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers in Congress over escalating military spending related to the Iran conflict, according to The Washington Post. Republican fiscal conservatives expressed concerns about deficit expansion, while Democratic lawmakers criticized the administration for not fully assessing costs before launching military operations. Hegseth defended the Pentagon’s spending plans during the hearing, but failed to fully allay lawmakers’ concerns. ...

Russian Ship Sunk Near Spain May Have Been Carrying Nuclear Reactors to North Korea A Russian vessel that sank off the coast of Spain may have been transporting nuclear reactors to North Korea, according to reports. The incident has raised serious international concerns about nuclear proliferation and maritime safety. The cause of the sinking remains under investigation.

Trump and Xi Seek to Keep Iran Differences from Overshadowing China Talks Trump and Xi appeared intent on keeping their deep differences over the Iran war from overshadowing broader bilateral talks, according to Reuters. Both leaders signaled willingness to pursue economic and trade consensus despite divergent positions on the Iran conflict.

Uganda’s President Sworn In for Record Seventh Term Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has been sworn in for a record seventh term in office. Museveni has been in power since 1986, making him one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders. Opposition groups have questioned the legitimacy of his continued rule.

Zelensky’s Ex-Chief of Staff in Court as Ukraine Corruption Probe Escalates Ukraine’s former presidential chief of staff appeared in court as part of an escalating corruption investigation, facing money laundering allegations. The case highlights Kyiv’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign amid the war and has drawn significant public attention in Ukraine.

Pakistan reportedly allowed Iran to park military aircraft on Pakistani airfields, despite positioning itself as a mediator in the US-Iran conflict, raising questions about its neutral stance.

The Supreme Court temporarily maintained full access to the abortion pill mifepristone, including telehealth and mail options, while deliberations on the legal challenge continue.

South Africa’s president has unequivocally refused to resign following an impeachment motion, deepening the country’s political crisis. The opposition coalition previously filed the impeachment petition, alleging constitutional violations. The decision has intensified tensions within the ruling coalition, with opposition groups calling for mass protests. South Africa’s Constitutional Court may need to rule on the validity of the impeachment proceedings in the coming weeks. Analysts warn that political uncertainty could negatively impact South Africa’s economy, with the rand already showing volatility. The international community is closely monitoring developments, with several African leaders expressing hope for stability. ...

The US Supreme Court on Monday issued an emergency order temporarily allowing Alabama to implement a new congressional map that eliminates a district currently held by a Black Democrat, reversing a lower court injunction. The 11th-hour decision directly impacts the 2026 election cycle. Alabama’s Republican-led legislature had pushed to redraw congressional districts, which a federal district court struck down as a violation of the Voting Rights Act. The Supreme Court’s emergency stay drew sharp criticism from civil rights groups. ...