US and Iran Standoff at Sea: A Test of ‘Who Will Blink First’
Naval blockades, military history has shown, require patience. That is not the leading attribute of the officials in Washington. “So when President Trump imposed a blockade of Iranian ports in April, the quick result he was looking for — a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial traffic — w»»»
Resi4Rent closes record €575mn Polish institutional rental portfolio sale
Polish developer Echo Investment said on May 27 its subsidiary Resi4Rent has completed the sale of 18 residential rental projects for over PLN2.437bn (€575mn), marking the largest transaction in Poland's institutional Private Rented Sector (PRS). The portfolio of 5,322 units across Warsaw, Kraków, »»»
From Soviet antihistamine to Alzheimer's breakthrough: a UK biotech bets on a molecule the world forgot
A small UK-registered biotech company believes it has found an Alzheimer's treatment that is safer, cheaper and more effective than anything currently on the market — and it has done so by revisiting a molecule that Soviet chemists first synthesised in the 1970s and that Pfizer abandoned as a failu»»»
Latvia’s new government criticised for overwhelming gender imbalance
As Latvia awaits a parliamentary confidence vote on Prime Minister-designate Andris Kulbergs’ proposed coalition cabinet, public debate has largely focused on the cabinet’s striking gender imbalance. Only two women are expected to hold ministerial posts in the 15-member government, despite La»»»
Timur Turlov’s Freedom Holding Corp: From a niche broker to a global fintech player
Who is Timur Turlov? Where did his billions come from? And how did he turn a small brokerage firm into a transnational financial ecosystem? Freedom Holding Corp. is a Kazakhstan-born international fintech company listed on the Nasdaq and valued at nearly $9 billion. In recent years, the company - w»»»
Putin deepens ties with Kazakhstan with nuclear power plant deal and renewed friendship declaration during state visit
Vladimir Putin arrived in Astana on Wednesday for a three-day state visit to Kazakhstan — his second to the country in a single presidential term — trailing a delegation of more than 30 senior officials and business figures and bearing a package of economic agreements designed to anchor Moscow's ti»»»
Trump 'in excellent health' but should lose weight: presidential physician
Washington, United States: Donald Trump's doctor said he was in "excellent health" but advised him to lose weight, the White House said Friday, after the US president's annual medical check-up weeks before his 80th birthday. Republican Trump, the oldest president ever inaugurated, has repeatedly bo»»»
Timur Turlov’s Freedom Holding Corp: From a niche broker to a global fintech player
Who is Timur Turlov? Where did his billions come from? And how did he turn a small brokerage firm into a transnational financial ecosystem? Freedom Holding Corp. is a Kazakhstan-born international fintech company listed on the Nasdaq and valued at nearly $9 billion. In recent years, the company - w»»»
Putin deepens ties with Kazakhstan with nuclear power plant deal and renewed friendship declaration during state visit
Vladimir Putin arrived in Astana on Wednesday for a three-day state visit to Kazakhstan — his second to the country in a single presidential term — trailing a delegation of more than 30 senior officials and business figures and bearing a package of economic agreements designed to anchor Moscow's ti»»»
As Ebola scourges Congo, experts warn of link to eating wild animals
KINSHASA: The vendors of wild meat at the sprawling Masina Market in the Congolese capital don’t always display their goods openly. Customers must ask for whatever they’re looking for, whether it is a giant swamp rodent or the severed parts of an antelope. Others occasionally sell in the open, like»»»
AI helped a musician with Parkinson’s finish his new album when he could no longer play guitar
LONDON: Samuel Smith spent years writing songs with a guitar in his hands. Now, the London-based singer-songwriter is using artificial intelligence tools to help him continue making Americana music after Parkinson’s disease largely took away his ability to play guitar. Smith, who was diagnosed with»»»
US designates Brazilian crime groups as terrorist organisations
The United States on Thursday designated two of Brazil’s most powerful criminal organisations, the Red Command and First Capital Command, as terrorist organisations, escalating tensions with Brasilia, which strongly opposes the move. US officials said the groups operate transnational criminal »»»
The World This Week - Iran: Is Trump “Bored”?, Bolivia at “Breaking point” A Spanish Scandal
It’s been a week where, 90 days into the conflict and ceasefire stand-off with Iran, both Tehran and Washington are insisting time is on their side — each claiming the other needs a deal more urgently. Pressure is growing on the Trump administration with soaring energy prices and midterm elections »»»
US commander meets with Cuban military officials as Trump pressures island nation
WASHINGTON: The top US commander in Latin America met with Cuban military leaders on Friday in a “brief exchange on operational security matters” near the US Navy base in Guantanamo Bay, the latest official to visit the island nation as President Donald Trump ramps up pressure on its leaders. Trump»»»
WHO chief says deadly Ebola outbreak in DR Congo can be stopped
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the head of the World Health Organization, said Thursday that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has killed more than 200 people, can still be contained despite conflict in the country's east. The WHO on Friday announced that one patient was co»»»
Reconnected? Iranians say only 'drip-feed' internet has returned after three-month shutdown
After almost three months of being cut off from the world, internet access was partially restored in Iran starting on Tuesday. While some rejoice at finally being reconnected and able to check in on their loved ones, many complain about the persistent slowness in connectivity and doubt a complete r»»»
Focus - Pakistan: Male contraception still taboo despite looming demographic crisis
One of Pakistan’s greatest challenges is controlling its rapidly growing population. With more than 258 million inhabitants, the country is already the fifth most populous in the world. By 2030, its population could surpass 300 million, pushing Pakistan into fourth place globally, ahead of Indonesi»»»
Revival Criticizes Bulgaria’s New Government Over Ukraine Aid and Foreign Policy Continuity
The leader of opposition party “Revival,” Kostadin Kostadinov, sharply criticized Bulgaria’s current stance on the war in Ukraine, arguing that the country is continuing the same foreign policy line set by previous administrations. He claimed that Bulgaria is expected to keep providing military equ»»»
Bulgarian Opposition Blames Past Budgets as EU Deficit Procedure Looms
Former Finance Minister Asen Vassilev said Bulgaria’s current fiscal situation was predictable, arguing that warnings about breaching the deficit threshold were ignored during the 2025 budget process. He stated that concerns raised during the budget’s adoption were dismissed by the governing majori»»»
Moscow Says No Sign Yet From Bulgaria to Restore Dialogue With Russia
The Russian Foreign Ministry said that there are currently no signs from Sofia indicating a willingness to restore normal bilateral dialogue with Moscow, despite the recent formation of a new Bulgarian government. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova made the statement in response to media »»»
'Gifts' from a lover and 'botched' cocaine raids: Police inquiry grips South Africa
'Gifts' from a lover and 'botched' cocaine raids: Police inquiry grips South Africa 10 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleKhanyisile NgcoboJohannesburg Gallo Images via Getty ImagesBrig Rachel Matjeng oversaw a tender awarded in 2024 to controversial businessman Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala An»»»
Ghana parliament passes anti-LGBTQ+ bill
Ghana parliament passes anti-LGBTQ+ bill Just nowShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleHarry SekulichandThomas Naadi ReutersReverend John Ntim Fordjour, the Ghanian MP who sponsored the bill, speaks to media after it passed parliament. The parliament in Ghana has approved a new bill criminalising homo»»»
Israeli troops push deeper into Lebanon – Ya Libnan
Share: A paramedic volunteer carries a body, one of the six the family members who were killed on Wednesday when their car was struck in an Israeli airstrike on a highway as they fled their village, during a funeral procession in the southern port city of Tyre, Lebanon, Friday, May 29, 2026. Mohamm»»»
Louisiana legislature approves new congressional map - UPI.com
The Louisiana state legislature on Friday passed a new congressional district map that eliminates one of the state's two majority black districts. File Photo by A.J. Sisco/UPI | License Photo May 29 (UPI) -- Louisiana's Republican-led legislature on Friday voted to approve a new congressional map t»»»
PSG more 'hungry' for Champions League after first taste of glory
Budapest: Paris Saint-Germain stars Ousmane Dembele and Marquinhos insisted their team are ravenous for European glory ahead of Saturday's Champions League final clash with Arsenal after tasting success last season. The French side claimed the trophy for the first time and are defending their crown»»»
How a mental health program in Syria’s Homs is helping former detainees rebuild their lives
LONDON: Some walked out of Syria’s Sednayah prison unable to remember their own names. After years inside what rights groups described as a “human slaughterhouse,” survivors of the country’s most notorious prison emerged in late 2024 unsure whether their families were alive or whether their homes w»»»
Portugal coach: ‘No one should doubt’ Ronaldo could play 2030 World Cup
LISBON: With Cristiano Ronaldo set to be 45 years old when Portugal hosts the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Morocco, one might think it’s unlikely that he’ll be on the squad for what would be his seventh World Cup. But don’t tell that to Portugal’s manager Roberto Martinez. “No one should dou»»»
Hungary to keep Orban-era Ukraine policy, rejects weapons shipments – PM Magyar
Hungary will not supply weapons or military equipment to Ukraine, the country’s newly elected prime minister, Peter Magyar, said on Thursday shortly after meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Brussels. Magyar’s center-right Tisza party defeated Viktor Orban’s Fidesz last month, securin»»»
Rep. Frederica Wilson of Florida to retire from House of Representatives - UPI.com
Rep. Frederica Wilson, D-Fla., announced on Friday that she will not seek re-election for a ninth term in Congress. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo May 29 (UPI) -- U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson, D.-Fla., said she has decided not to run for what would be her ninth term in the House of Rep»»»
Where We Are Going Today: Maceo restaurant in Alkhobar
Located in Matal, Alkhobar, Maceo delivers the kind of dining atmosphere that instantly transports you elsewhere. Between the warm lighting, sea-facing setting, woven decor, and softly lit tables, the restaurant feels less like a typical local dining spot and more like a coastal Italian escape. Dur»»»
Stitch shifts focus to infrastructure as legacy systems limit scale
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s fintech race is no longer being defined by consumer-facing apps, but by the infrastructure powering them, according to Mohamed Oueida, founder and CEO of Stitch. As the Kingdom’s financial sector matures under Vision 2030, attention is shifting away from user interfaces towar»»»
Colombia votes amid insecurity, polarization and fiscal strains - UPI.com
Colombia will head to the polls Sunday to elect President Gustavo Petro's successor. File Photo by Tannen Maury/UPI | License Photo May 29 (UPI) -- Colombia will head to the polls Sunday to elect its next president under an unprecedented security deployment that includes 246,000 members of the secu»»»
Response to Congo Ebola outbreak faces shortfall of aid support - UPI.com
1 of 3 | A coordinator with U-Reporters, an UNICEF program to engage and inform local communities, wears a protective gown as he takes part in a campaign to raise awareness against Ebola in Goma, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, on Friday. Photo by Jeanne Munyerenkana/EPA May 29 (UPI) »»»
Mayar Sherif ‘proud’ of Roland Garros performance against Coco Gauff, who hailed Egyptian’s ‘bravery’
PARIS: Mayar Sherif’s journey at this year’s Roland Garros came to an end on Thursday with a second-round defeat to defending champion Coco Gauff but the Egyptian says she leaves Paris feeling “proud” of her performances and “motivated” for what’s to come. Sherif, who won four matches in Paris thro»»»
For Pakistani food rider who lost both legs, Eid homecoming crowns year of struggle
ISLAMABAD: On a scorching afternoon earlier this month in Islamabad, food delivery rider Hamza Ali pulled his motorbike beneath the shade of a tree after collecting an order from a restaurant. He opened the insulated delivery bag strapped behind him, took out a bottle of water, splashed some across»»»
Analysis: Prison overcrowding, amnesty disputes … a ticking time bomb for Lebanon - UPI.com
Severe prison overcrowding, judicial backlogs, and selective justice resulting from political interference -- much of it linked to years of Syrian and Hezbollah influence -- have left Lebanon with a ticking bomb ready to explode, while sectarian disputes continue to delay a new general amnesty law.»»»
Historic Péter Magyar-von der Leyen agreement about EU funds
“We have agreed with the President of the European Commission on the release of 16.4 billion euros, approximately 6,000 billion forints, in EU funds,” Prime Minister Péter Magyar announced in Brussels on Friday. Péter Magyar promises aid for many in Hungary At a joint press conference with Presiden»»»
PM Warns Bulgaria Faces EU Sanctions under Excessive Deficit Procedure, Opposition Reacts
Prime Minister Rumen Radev Friday said that the European Commission would publish a report on June 3, launching an excessive deficit procedure against Bulgaria, which would lead to regular monitoring, restrictive measures and possible sanctions. "According to calculations and actual data submitted »»»
WHO reports 906 suspected Ebola cases and 223 deaths in Congo, Uganda
The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday that 906 suspected Ebola cases, including 223 deaths, have been reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo amid an ongoing outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain, with additional infections confirmed in Uganda. A WHO official said the fatality rate am»»»
Eleven Children Killed, Injured Every 24 Hours in Lebanon, UN Says
Eleven children have been killed or injured on average every 24 hours in Lebanon over the last week, the UN's children's agency said on Friday, as Israel has expanded strikes across the country despite a ceasefire. Heavy Israeli strikes hit towns and villages in southern Lebanon overnight on Wednes»»»
Israel Plan to Seize More of Gaza Means ‘More Children Will Suffer’, Says UN
The UN warned on Friday that an Israeli plan to take control of 70 percent of Gaza is sure to increase suffering among children already hit by the impacts of severe overcrowding. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that he had ordered the military to take control of more terr»»»
Aoun Tells Rubio That Israel Truce Crucial to Talks Progress as Netanyahu Says Troops Crossed Litani
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun told US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday that a ceasefire with Israel was crucial, as Israeli and Lebanese military delegations meet at the Pentagon. A statement from Aoun's office said that during a phone call, the president "emphasized the need to exert all »»»
Lebanese, Israeli officers meet in Washington for talks
BEIRUT: Lebanese and Israeli military delegations got security talks at the Pentagon underway on Friday, during which Beirut will demand Israel halt its attacks, which have intensified in recent days. The talks come as the US and Hezbollah’s backer Iran were negotiating, with Tehran insisting the f»»»
Ecuadorean children chase World Cup dreams at Caicedo’s football schools
QUITO: Children of all ages rush on to a soccer field in southern Quito to train, inspired by the achievements of their biggest role model, Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo, and driven by the dream of one day playing in a World Cup like their idol. The children, aged between five and 16, have bee»»»
Norway’s natural-born goalscorer Haaland finally gets global stage
LONDON: Erling Haaland propelled Norway back to the World Cup for the first time in 28 years and spearheads a golden generation ready to thrive on the global stage. Despite a tough draw alongside one of the tournament favorites France, African powerhouses Senegal and Iraq, a Norway side also contai»»»
Photo and video journalists in Gaza to receive 'Golden Pen' award
Paris, France: Professional photo and video journalists working in Gaza are to receive an annual press freedom award on Monday for risking their lives to report on the war, an association of publishers has said. The 2026 Golden Pen of Freedom will be handed to representatives of global news agencie»»»
Iranian President Orders Accelerated Imports From Russia, Other Neighboring Countries
TEHRAN (Sputnik) - Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has issued a decree to accelerate the import of goods from neighboring countries, including Russia, the Iranian presidential press service said on Friday. "The president has issued a decree to accelerate the use of alternative import routes and»»»
India races to move 13 ships out of Hormuz
New Delhi: India has launched an emergency operation to move 13 Indian-flagged commercial vessels out of the Strait of Hormuz as tensions continue to simmer across the Gulf region, officials said on Friday. The operation comes amid growing concerns over maritime security in one of the world’s most »»»
Magyar blames corruption for blocked EU funds after new government secures billions from Brussels
Prime Minister Péter Magyar announced in Brussels on Friday that an agreement had been reached with the president of the European Commission to unlock €16.4 billion in EU funding, equivalent to approximately 6,000 billion forints. The Hungarian prime minister said the government had reached agreeme»»»
Kenyan high court halts U.S. Ebola quarantine facility plans - UPI.com
Medical staff in a protective gown prepares to check visitors' temperatures as a preventive measure against Ebola at the National Institute of Biomedical Research in Goma, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, on May 19. Photo by Marie Jeanne Munkyerenkana/EPA May 29 (UPI) -- The High Court of »»»