Houthis Capture Strategic Red Sea Island and Port
Iran‑backed Houthi rebels have captured Perim Island, which sits at the mouth of the Bab el‑Mandeb Strait, and the Red Sea port of Mokha—about 50 miles from the strait—tightening their grip on one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints. The fall of Perim and Mokha places the Houthis in a stronger position to threaten commercial shipping and Saudi oil exports through the southern Red Sea.
Saudi Arabia said it shut down a major oil pipeline as a precaution after it came under attack, underscoring the immediate risk to energy routes in the region.
Man Arrested in Mississippi Hanging Death Ruled Homicide
Police in Jackson, Mississippi, have arrested Jacques Ratliff in connection with the death of Tasia Fortune, a 29-year-old Black woman whose body was found hanging from a tree behind a vacant house last month. The state medical examiner ruled Fortune’s death a homicide on Thursday, and Jackson police chief RaShall Brackney-Wheelock announced the arrest.
Philippines Ferry Fire Death Toll Rises to 35
The death toll from a ferry fire off the Philippines has climbed to 35, with dozens still missing and the coast guard warning that the figure is expected to grow. The blaze began in the cargo hold of the M/V June Aster and spread rapidly before the vessel ran aground near Coron, Palawan. Access to the burnt-out ship has been slowed by toxic fumes and lingering heat, while the bodies of some victims arrived at a port near Coron on Saturday morning.
Saudi Arabia Shuts Key Oil Pipeline After Drone Attack
Saudi authorities said drones launched from Iraq forced the temporary closure of the East-West pipeline that links Abqaiq, near the Gulf, to the Red Sea port of Yanbu. Riyadh has been relying more heavily on the route since the start of the Middle East war to bypass the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Iraq has removed a military commander and opened investigations into the attack, which originated in an area bordering Iran.
Reform UK Receives Record £36m Donation From Crypto Billionaire
Reform UK has received a £36 million donation from British cryptocurrency billionaire Ben Delo, the largest single gift ever recorded to a British political party. Delo, who recently moved back to the United Kingdom from Hong Kong, was convicted in the United States for failing to implement adequate anti-money laundering controls and was later pardoned by Donald Trump. The donation comes amid continuing scrutiny of Reform UK’s finances.
Ex-CIA Officer Reaches Tentative Plea Deal in Gold-Bar Theft
Former CIA officer David Rush and federal prosecutors have reached a tentative plea agreement over charges that he stole hundreds of gold bars worth more than $40 million from the agency and hid them in his Virginia basement. The FBI found 303 gold bars in Rush’s home, and officials have said he created a fake classified program to funnel millions of dollars to himself. A court filing did not specify which charges Rush might plead to.
Rapper Lil Durk Acquitted of Murder-for-Hire Charges
A federal jury in Los Angeles has acquitted Chicago rapper Lil Durk, whose legal name is Durk Banks, of all charges in a murder-for-hire plot. Prosecutors had accused him of ordering the 2022 killing of a man associated with Atlanta rapper Tayquian Bowman in retaliation for the 2020 shooting death of a close friend.
Republican Midterm Convention in Dallas Highlights Trump’s Role
The Republican Party held a two-day midterm convention in Dallas that featured speeches by President Trump and Vice President Vance but carried no formal nominations or official party business. Trump promised to send every adult citizen $5,000 if Republicans maintain control of Congress in November, drawing a sharp Democratic response. The event highlighted both Trump’s dominance of the party and the political risks Republicans face in the midterms, with empty seats visible at the gathering.
Norway’s Princess Astrid Dies at 94 After Brother’s Funeral
Norway’s Princess Astrid, an older sister of the late King Harald, died on Friday at the age of 94, just two days after attending her brother’s funeral. The royal palace announced her death, and the new king, Haakon VIII, paid tribute to his aunt for representing the royal house “in a warm and dutiful manner.”
Rockstar Games Faces Tribunal Over Union-Linked Sackings
A UK employment tribunal in Glasgow is examining whether Rockstar Games unlawfully sacked 31 employees for trade union activity. Sacked worker Dayne Oram told the tribunal he believed staff were placed on a “watch list” after signing a petition about remote working. Rockstar denies the dismissals were linked to union organising and says the workers were fired for sharing confidential information online.
Teen Rescued After Days on Overturned Boat in Bering Sea
A 15-year-old boy was rescued after clinging to an overturned 18-foot fishing boat in the Bering Sea for days without food or water, the Coast Guard said. The teenager had been fishing off Alaska’s St Lawrence Island with his older brother and cousin, both of whom drowned when the vessel capsized. A fishing vessel eventually pulled him to safety.
Afghan Woman Deported in First Use of Obscure Terrorism Court
An Afghan permanent resident living in Texas has been deported after the Justice Department accused her of being an “alien terrorist,” marking the first known use of an obscure terrorism court. The administration successfully obtained an order from the court’s chief judge to expel her, but it remains unclear whether officials will seek to use the court again.