Today's News Digest
A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Indonesia, killing at least 47 people, while tensions escalate across multiple regions: Israeli strikes kill 11 in Lebanon, Ukraine targets Russian military infrastructure, and diplomatic efforts intensify around frozen conflicts in Korea and Ukraine.
World
Powerful earthquake devastates Indonesia, killing 47
A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off Indonesia's coast early Saturday, collapsing buildings and causing widespread panic in Flores, an island in eastern Indonesia. The temblor was among the strongest the region has experienced in decades, with search and rescue operations ongoing.
Israeli strikes kill 11 in Lebanon amid escalating tensions
Israeli military strikes on southern Lebanon killed at least 11 people, including children, according to Lebanese health officials. Israel said it targeted Hezbollah infrastructure in response to earlier strikes that injured three Israeli soldiers.
Ukraine strikes major Russian rocket factory with cruise missiles
Ukrainian forces used Flamingo cruise missiles to strike a significant Russian rocket manufacturing facility, marking a notable achievement in the ongoing conflict.
South Korea proposes formal talks to end 73-year conflict with North
South Korean opposition leader Lee Jae Myung has offered to initiate talks aimed at officially ending the Korean War, which has remained frozen since the 1953 armistice.
Europe navigates delicate diplomacy on eventual Russia-Ukraine settlement
French, German, and British diplomats are quietly developing frameworks for future Russia-Ukraine negotiations, even as Russia shows limited interest in talks. The effort reflects European concern about being sidelined from peace discussions.
Sudan's military leader pledges immunity for national dialogue participants
General al-Burhan pledged temporary immunity and legal protections for those participating in a Sudanese national dialogue, while ruling out the return of rival commander Hemedti to negotiations.
Turkish president signals openness to expanding regional defence pact
President Erdogan told Al Jazeera that the recently signed Turkey-Saudi Arabia-Pakistan defence agreement is open to new members, including Egypt, as he pledges continued regional support.
Iran claims Qatar captured three of its pilots in March
Iran stated that three Iranian fighter pilots have been held by Qatar since March 2 when their jets were shot down during the ongoing conflict. Qatar has not commented on the claim.
Syrian war crimes convict detained after fleeing Austria
Musab Abu Rukbah, a former Syrian police chief convicted in Austria of civil war abuses and sentenced to eight years, was detained in Syria after leaving Austria while appealing his conviction.
Moroccan police arrest 111 attempting to cross into Spanish territory
Moroccan authorities arrested 111 people attempting to enter Ceuta, Spain's North African territory, as border security tightened following social media calls for mass crossings.
Afghan interpreters fear loss of green cards under Trump administration
Thousands of Afghans who assisted U.S. troops during the war were brought to America to rebuild their lives, but some now worry the Trump administration may seek to revoke their green cards and return them to Afghanistan.
Iranians flee to Turkey seeking escape from economic hardship and war
Many Iranians are migrating to Turkey, particularly to the border city of Van, citing the expense and difficulty of life in Iran amid ongoing regional conflict.
Cambridge professor's death raises questions on institutional oversight
Jason Arday, Cambridge's youngest Black professor at age 37, was found dead Friday in southwest London just days after resigning amid scrutiny over his academic work. The university had reportedly ignored warnings about his situation.
Canadian petition to expel U.S. ambassador gains 170,000 signatures
More than 170,000 Canadians have signed a petition calling for the expulsion of U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra amid historic lows in U.S.-Canada relations under the Trump administration.
USS Lincoln crew families criticize Trump over deployment comments
Families of sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln expressed outrage after President Trump said the deployment is "not nearly long enough," amid reports of dire conditions including food shortages and broken plumbing.
Environment & Climate
Russian oil spill reaches Oman's coastline, cleanup underway
Cleanup crews are responding along 12 kilometres of Omani coastline following an oil spill from a grounded Russian tanker.
Wildfires sweep across Europe, killing at least one in Croatia
A violent wildfire hit a coastal town in Croatia, killing at least one person and injuring around 42 others. Belgium is simultaneously battling what authorities describe as the country's worst wildfire in recent years through a major nature reserve.
Tropical Storm Lala strengthens as it approaches Hawaii
Authorities are warning Hawaiian residents to take precautions as Tropical Storm Lala is expected to strengthen and bring heavy rain and strong winds to the island chain.
Technology & Science
Critical Mac vulnerability under active exploitation allows remote access
A screen-sharing bug is being actively exploited to give remote attackers full control of Mac computers without requiring a password.
Largest all-electric aircraft completes first test flight on $5 of electricity
An airline-backed venture successfully completed the first test flight of the largest all-electric aircraft, using just $5 worth of electricity, as developers work toward hybrid-electric commercial aviation.
U.S. solar capacity dominates new power plant installations
Utility-scale solar leads by a significant margin among new U.S. power plants that came online this year, followed by battery storage, while fossil fuel installations lag far behind.
Sports & Culture
Inter Milan sign England's Djed Spence from Tottenham for $40 million
The 26-year-old defender has signed a five-year deal with the Italian champions in a transfer valued at approximately $40 million.