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The FBI is investigating ransom notes related to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, an 84-year-old woman who vanished from her home near Tucson five months ago. Some notes are considered fake, but others might be real and are still being looked into.
Key Facts
Nancy Guthrie disappeared from her home near Tucson on February 1.
Authorities believe she was kidnapped, with blood drops found on her front porch.
The FBI has received several ransom notes since her disappearance.
Some ransom notes are judged to be fake or attempts to extort money without cause.
Other ransom notes may be legitimate and are still under investigation.
Surveillance video shows a masked person outside her home on the night she went missing.
No arrests or suspects have been publicly named so far.
The case is being treated as a kidnapping for ransom and remains open.
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Algerians are voting in parliamentary elections amid worries about the rising cost of living and restrictions on some candidates. The government banned many opposition candidates and declared a paid holiday to encourage voting, but turnout is uncertain as many people focus on daily problems and the upcoming soccer World Cup.
Key Facts
Around 25 million Algerians can vote to elect 407 members of the lower house of Parliament.
There are 1,235 candidates running for these seats.
The government banned 269 candidates, including some linked to the Hirak pro-democracy movement.
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune was re-elected for a second term in 2024 and has tightened political freedoms.
Voter turnout is a concern because many citizens are more worried about economic issues than politics.
The government declared election day a paid national holiday to boost turnout.
Voting in some areas was moved earlier to help nomadic populations cast their ballots.
The Algerian diaspora, especially in France, voted earlier with reportedly good participation.
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Yorgen Fenech, a Maltese businessman, is on trial for the 2017 murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, who was investigating corruption. Prosecutors say Fenech hired people to carry out the bombing that killed her.
Key Facts
Daphne Caruana Galizia was an investigative journalist killed by a car bomb in Malta in 2017.
She was investigating corruption linked to an offshore company called 17 Black.
Yorgen Fenech, owner of 17 Black, was arrested in 2019 near Malta while trying to flee.
Fenech is charged with ordering the murder and is currently on trial.
A former taxi driver, Melvin Theuma, confessed to hiring the bombers for $170,000 from Fenech.
Three men who carried out the bombing have pleaded guilty; two suppliers of the bomb received life sentences.
Daphne’s murder caused mass protests and the resignation of Malta’s then-prime minister Joseph Muscat.
A 2021 public inquiry blamed the Maltese state for failing to prevent the murder due to a culture of impunity.
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A top U.S. diplomat said Taiwan should build many drones to help protect itself and keep peace in the region. Taiwan faces increased threats from China, which claims Taiwan as its territory, and the U.S. supports Taiwan’s military upgrade plans, including drone development.
Key Facts
Raymond Greene, the U.S. top diplomat in Taiwan, said drones offer a big chance to improve Taiwan’s security and peace.
Taiwan is increasing its defenses amid rising pressure from China, which wants Taiwan to be part of its territory.
The U.S. is Taiwan’s main military supporter and arms supplier, despite no formal diplomatic ties.
Taiwan’s government wants to spend about US$6.59 billion on drones and related systems by 2031.
Taiwan’s opposition party suggested a different drone spending plan totaling about US$7.5 billion over six years, with a cap on yearly spending.
A portion of U.S. arms sales to Taiwan was paused to save weapons for the U.S.-Israel conflict involving Iran.
Taiwan’s President William Lai says building drone capabilities is urgent for national defense.
Lai rejects China’s claim over Taiwan and emphasizes that Taiwan’s future should be decided by its people.
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The war in Gaza began 1,000 days ago after a Hamas attack on Israel. Since then, there have been ongoing attacks, fragile ceasefires, and a difficult situation for more than 2 million Palestinians living in Gaza. Although a ceasefire reduced some violence, daily strikes and displacement continue, and reconstruction and peace efforts remain stalled.
Key Facts
The war started with a Hamas-led attack on Israel over 1,000 days ago.
More than 2 million Palestinians live in Gaza, many displaced and in ruins.
An October 2025 ceasefire has reduced violence but daily Israeli strikes still occur.
Over 1,000 Palestinians have died since the ceasefire, including many women and children.
Israeli forces control around 70% of Gaza under the current ceasefire terms.
Efforts to disarm Hamas and rebuild Gaza have not made much progress.
The United Nations warns that ongoing Israeli control increases risks for civilians.
President Donald Trump proposed a 20-point peace plan aiming to end Hamas’ rule and rebuild Gaza.
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An Ebola outbreak is spreading in eastern Congo, with over 1,300 confirmed cases and many deaths. Health workers face difficult conditions trying to treat patients, and a vaccine is still months away.
Key Facts
The outbreak is centered in Ituri province, eastern Congo.
More than 1,300 cases of Ebola have been confirmed so far.
Hundreds of people have died, including children and health workers.
Ebola spreads through contact with bodily fluids like blood and vomit.
There is no approved treatment or vaccine for this Ebola strain yet.
Health workers wear protective gear despite hot and humid conditions.
The outbreak occurs in a region already affected by conflict and instability.
Funerals highlight the serious impact, showing that the disease affects all people, regardless of age or status.
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Oil prices have dropped to their lowest level since the start of the US-Israel conflict involving Iran. This fall happened as talks between the US and Iran showed positive progress toward a peace deal, and oil shipping through the Strait of Hormuz began to recover.
Key Facts
Brent crude oil prices fell below $71 a barrel, reaching levels last seen before the conflict started.
Prices dropped more than 38% from their peak of over $126 per barrel on April 30.
Qatar is mediating negotiations between the US and Iran, and recent talks have shown positive progress.
President Donald Trump said the denuclearization talks with Iran are moving well.
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil trade, increased from 22 to 40 vessels in a few days but remains below normal levels.
The Strait of Hormuz handles about 20% of the world’s oil and gas trade during peacetime.
Iran agreed to try to ensure safe passage of ships but maintains control over movements in the strait.
Since the war began, there have been at least 49 attacks on commercial ships in the strait, with Iran involved or blamed in most cases.
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Two young men in Leeds saw a fire near a house and helped an elderly couple and their grandson get to safety. Their quick action was widely praised on social media, and both their families expressed pride in their bravery.
Key Facts
Mohsin Qayyum (22) and Mohammed Yusuf Iqbal (20) were driving past a house in Kirkstall, Leeds, when they noticed a fire.
They stopped and helped an elderly couple and their grandson escape the fire.
Iqbal jumped over a fence to reach the family during the emergency.
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said the fire started because a flammable object was too close to a controlled fire.
Both men were surprised by the attention and praise they received after the incident.
Their families expressed pride and highlighted the importance of their actions as positive examples.
The incident was seen as a positive story about young Asian Muslim men in the community.
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A convicted people smuggler named Twana Jamal, who was jailed in France in 2016, is now living and working illegally in Leicestershire, UK. Authorities are concerned that other convicted smugglers may also be living in the UK under false names, raising questions about the effectiveness of border controls for asylum seekers.
Key Facts
Twana Jamal was sentenced to five years in prison in France for people smuggling in 2016.
The BBC found Jamal living in Blaby, Leicestershire, working without legal permission and driving without a license.
Jamal appears to be using a false name and may be seeking asylum in the UK.
Law enforcement in Europe says at least 15 other convicted people smugglers are living in the UK under false identities.
This situation has caused concerns about how well UK border controls check asylum seekers with criminal records abroad.
The UK Home Office says all asylum seekers go through security and identity checks.
The UK has agreements with other countries to share criminal history information.
Immigration enforcement in the UK is currently at its highest level in history.
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A new study by Stockholm University found that the pesticide fluazinam, approved in the EU since 2008, may harm brain development in rats. This challenges a 2005 industry study that said the pesticide was safe, leading experts and campaigners to call for its withdrawal while it undergoes re-evaluation.
Key Facts
Fluazinam is a fungicide used to protect crops like potatoes and apples from fungal diseases.
The pesticide was approved in the EU in 2008 based on safety data that showed no significant effects on brain development.
Stockholm University researchers re-analyzed the original data and found six cases where fluazinam caused negative effects on the brain size and shape of rat offspring.
The new findings suggest the pesticide could cause serious brain development problems.
The original 2005 study has been criticized for not accurately reporting significant harmful effects.
Experts say failing to report these effects may breach EU pesticide laws.
Fluazinam is currently being reconsidered for approval in the EU and remains approved in the UK until 2029.
Campaign groups urge regulators to withdraw fluazinam immediately to prevent potential harm to humans, especially children.
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Orcas have been seen more often and closer to shore near the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, attracting many wildlife watchers. Experts are unsure why sightings have increased but say it might show the marine environment is improving.
Key Facts
The Farne Islands are known for birds like guillemots and puffins, but recently orcas have appeared more frequently.
Orcas are now often seen near the shore, unlike previous years when they were mostly seen far out at sea.
Dolphin sightings in the area have also increased.
Wildlife tour operators have noticed more visitors since the orcas started appearing regularly.
A government ban on sandeel fishing two years ago may have helped by protecting small fish that form the base of the marine food chain.
More sandeels, mackerel, and herring are now seen, which could attract orcas and dolphins.
Different orca pods have been spotted, not just one group returning.
Experts say better public awareness or shifting orca habits could also explain the rise in sightings.
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A man named Twana Jamal, convicted in France for running people smuggling operations, is now living in the UK and seeking asylum while working illegally. UK authorities struggle to verify criminal records from some countries, allowing convicted smugglers like Jamal to enter and live in the country under false names.
Key Facts
Twana Jamal was sentenced to five years in jail in France in 2016 for people smuggling.
He was described as a top smuggler who earned up to £100,000 a week helping migrants cross the Channel.
Jamal used many fake names and was nicknamed "Pasha" in the French migrant camps.
He was found guilty but later entered the UK where he applied for asylum.
UK border officials say it is harder to check criminal records after Brexit.
European police say 15 convicted people smugglers are believed to live in the UK using false identities.
Jamal lives in Leicestershire and was seen working illegally and driving without a license.
He is linked to Kurdish gangs known for controlling cross-channel smuggling routes.
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Patients in Gaza who need medical treatment abroad face long delays because of slow security checks and limited border crossings. Many patients, including Amina Abu al-Kas, died waiting for permission to leave, while thousands more remain on waiting lists.
Key Facts
Amina Abu al-Kas suffered from a severe infection that Gaza hospitals could not treat.
After approval for medical evacuation, her family waited weeks before her paperwork was ready, but she died before being able to leave.
Gaza’s health ministry reports about 300 Palestinians have died waiting for medical evacuation since last October.
Around 15,000 Palestinians currently await permission to travel for medical treatment abroad.
The World Health Organization helps coordinate patient transfers through Israeli and Egyptian border crossings.
Since the ceasefire began over eight months ago, nearly 2,000 people have been evacuated for treatment outside Gaza.
Patients need to pass security checks by several countries and get acceptance from hospitals abroad before traveling.
The Rafah crossing with Egypt is open three days a week for departures; the Kerem Shalom crossing with Israel allows medical evacuations only one day a week.
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The United States is celebrating its 250th year of independence. People from Brazil, Egypt, India, Australia, Canada, and the UK shared their mixed views on America today, showing both respect and criticism.
Key Facts
The US is marking 250 years since its independence.
The BBC asked people in six countries about their views on America.
The countries asked were Brazil, Egypt, India, Australia, Canada, and the UK.
Opinions included both admiration and criticism of the US.
The views reflect on America’s current role in the world.
The article includes video reports from journalists in various countries.
This reflection highlights the complex global perception of the US at this milestone.
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Two recent earthquakes in Venezuela caused damage and affected many people. Survivors are receiving help at a golf course turned into a relief center, but they say international aid is coming too slowly.
Key Facts
Venezuela experienced two earthquakes recently.
Many people were affected by these earthquakes.
A golf course has been converted into a relief center for survivors.
Survivors are receiving assistance from this relief center.
International aid is helping but is not arriving quickly enough.
The report was made by Teresa Bo from Al Jazeera.
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President Donald Trump criticized Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, questioning Italy’s loyalty as an ally. In response, European leaders showed more support for Meloni, which has helped bring Europe closer together on issues like defense, trade, and foreign policy.
Key Facts
President Trump questioned Italy’s reliability as a wartime ally and accused Prime Minister Meloni of seeking his attention.
European leaders rallied around Meloni, improving her relations with countries that had previously been cautious because of her political background.
Europe is working more closely on defense, trade tariffs, and foreign policy due to challenges from Russia, China, and ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Iran.
European leaders aim to act as a united group to protect Europe’s role in global affairs.
Meloni did not allow U.S. bombers to use a Sicilian base without Italy's parliament approval, causing some tensions.
Trump’s direct style and focus on dealing with European countries separately has reduced his influence over Europe’s joint actions.
The increased unity among European countries will be tested at an upcoming NATO summit in Turkey.
Even nationalist parties in Europe that once supported Trump are rethinking their positions because of his trade and foreign war policies.
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The US government has labeled the Ecuadorian gang Chone Killers as a foreign terrorist organization and placed sanctions on them for attacks on civilians and officials. This action is part of President Donald Trump’s broader effort to fight drug trafficking and violent crime gangs in Latin America.
Key Facts
The US State Department named Chone Killers a “Specially Designated Global Terrorist” group.
The gang is accused of attacking civilians, law enforcement, and government officials, including assassinations.
This move is part of President Trump’s campaign against organized crime and drug trafficking in Latin America.
Other Latin American groups, such as Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua and Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel, have also been designated terrorists by the US.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Ecuadorian gangs assist Mexican cartels in moving illegal drugs.
Ecuador’s government supports the US decision and backs President Daniel Noboa’s fight against gangs.
President Noboa has imposed curfews and deployed the military in several provinces to reduce gang violence.
The US and Ecuador are working together to stop drug trafficking and weaken criminal organizations.
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Millions of Iranians attended the funeral of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989, resulting in chaotic scenes where people rushed his coffin and caused injuries and deaths. The large crowd made it necessary to delay the burial, with security forces trying to manage the situation.
Key Facts
Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini died in 1989 and millions gathered to mourn him.
About 10.2 million people took part in the funeral, roughly one-sixth of Iran’s population at the time.
The crowd’s intense grief caused chaos, including people rushing the coffin, which fell into the crowd.
At least eight people died and around 11,000 were injured during the event.
Khomeini’s son, Ahmad, was knocked down and passed through the crowd to an ambulance.
Security forces fired warning shots and tried to control the crowd by beating mourners’ hands to release the coffin.
The burial was postponed because the crowd blocked the funeral procession.
The funeral took place on a very hot day, with temperatures around 91 degrees Fahrenheit (about 33 Celsius).
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Iran will use some of its frozen money held in Qatar to buy goods it needs, following talks in Doha. This is part of an agreement under which the United States agreed to release Iranian funds to help end the conflict between the two countries.
Key Facts
Iran has frozen assets worth six billion dollars in Qatar.
Iranian officials met with Qatari authorities to discuss how to spend these funds.
The money will be used to buy goods that Iran needs.
The United States agreed to release some of Iran’s frozen assets under a memorandum of understanding.
The details on how and when the funds will be released are not yet clear.
The talks took place in Doha, Qatar.
The agreement helped to halt the war between Iran and the United States.
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German prosecutors have charged a 50-year-old Ukrainian man named Serhii K with causing explosions that damaged the Nord Stream gas pipelines in 2022. The pipelines, which carried Russian gas to Europe, were badly damaged by underwater explosions near Denmark, stopping gas flow for months.
Key Facts
Serhii K is accused of attacking civilian energy infrastructure by placing explosives on the Nord Stream pipelines.
The explosions happened in September 2022 near Bornholm Island, Denmark.
Damage to Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines stopped Russian gas from reaching Europe for months.
Prosecutors say Serhii K helped lead the operation on a yacht called Andromeda but was not directly placing bombs or diving.
Serhii K was arrested in Italy in August 2025 and extradited to Germany in November 2025.
He allegedly used fake documents to rent the yacht used in the attack.
Serhii K denies involvement, claiming he was in Ukraine as part of the armed forces, which his lawyers say might protect him legally.
Ukraine’s government denies knowing about or being involved in the sabotage.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said it is too early to comment because official details have not been shared.
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