Philippines crisis deepens as lawmakers vote to impeach vice president

The Philippine parliament has voted to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte over alleged corruption and threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Duterte denies the accusations, calling them a political attack.

The impeachment, seen as escalating the Duterte-Marcos rivalry, passed the House with 215 votes and now moves to the Senate for trial. If convicted, Duterte would be removed from office and permanently barred from holding public office, ending her chances of succeeding Marcos in 2028.

The move comes ahead of the May mid-term elections, a key test for both leaders. Duterte’s brother, a lawmaker, called the impeachment "political persecution," while Marcos has yet to comment.


U.S. Postal Service restarts deliveries from China

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has resumed accepting parcels from China and Hong Kong after a brief suspension following President Donald Trump’s new import tax rules. The policy change closed a loophole that allowed small packages under $800 to enter the U.S. tax-free, a practice widely used by Chinese retailers like Shein and Temu.

The surge in tax-exempt imports has raised concerns about unfair competition and lost tax revenue. The new rules took effect Tuesday, initially halting shipments from China, but USPS restarted them the next day, working with U.S. Customs to minimize disruptions.

The European Union (EU) is also increasing scrutiny, requiring Shein and Temu to take responsibility for unsafe products and strengthening customs checks on low-value imports. In response to U.S. tariffs, China has vowed retaliation, adding U.S. fashion giant PVH (owner of Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger) to its "unreliable entity" list.

The changes have sparked calls for similar tax reforms in the UK, where low-value imports currently avoid duties. Critics argue that major ecommerce firms should pay their fair share, rather than benefiting from outdated rules designed for individual shoppers.


Over 100 women raped and burned alive in DR Congo prison break, says UN

According to the UN, over 100 female prisoners were raped and burned alive during a jailbreak in Goma, DR Congo. The mass escape from Munzenze prison occurred after M23 rebels began seizing the city.

An internal UN report states that between 165 and 167 women were assaulted by male inmates before being killed in a fire set by the prisoners. The BBC has not independently verified these claims.

Goma, a city of over a million people, fell into chaos as M23 rebels—backed by Rwanda—rapidly advanced. Footage from the jailbreak showed smoke rising, people fleeing, and heavy gunfire.

The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 2,000 deaths, according to the Congolese government, while the UN reports at least 900 fatalities and nearly 3,000 injuries. A ceasefire was recently announced, but renewed fighting has been reported.


 

USAID staff will be placed on leave beginning this Friday

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) announced that thousands of employees will be placed on leave starting Friday night, with exceptions for mission-critical staff. This follows President Donald Trump’s recent cuts to government-funded programs, as his administration argues USAID is mismanaging funds.

Trump’s previous freeze on foreign aid has already disrupted global assistance efforts, particularly in Syria and Afghanistan. USAID stated it will coordinate with the State Department to arrange return travel for overseas staff within a month.

The agency, which provides humanitarian aid to over 100 countries, employs 10,000 people worldwide, two-thirds of whom work abroad. Some staff are stationed in conflict zones, raising concerns about how they will be withdrawn.

Trump and his allies have prioritized cutting government funding, with USAID a primary target. Marco Rubio was recently appointed acting head of USAID, amid reports of its potential merger with the State Department. Democratic lawmakers have called the move illegal, questioning whether the administration has the authority to restructure the agency without congressional approval.

USAID employees received emails placing them on paid administrative leave, requiring them to remain available by phone and email but restricting access to agency buildings.

Elon Musk, tasked with identifying government spending cuts, has suggested shutting down USAID entirely. Critics warn this would have devastating global consequences, as the agency supports critical initiatives, including prosthetic limbs for Ukrainian soldiers, landmine removal, and Ebola containment.

Democrats strongly oppose the cuts, arguing that weakening USAID undermines U.S. foreign policy and national security. The agency, founded in 1961, operates in 60 countries and managed over $40 billion in funding last fiscal year.


Israeli soldiers fatally shot in attack amid ongoing West Bank operation

Two Israeli soldiers were killed, and eight others wounded in a shooting attack at a checkpoint in the occupied West Bank, amid ongoing Israeli military operations against Palestinian armed groups. The attacker, a Palestinian gunman, was shot dead. Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad praised the attack but did not claim responsibility. Israel's military campaign, launched on January 21, has led to 70 Palestinian deaths this year. A UN official warned of worsening conditions in Jenin's refugee camp, where Israeli forces have carried out extensive raids. Meanwhile, Israel has banned UNRWA activity, citing alleged ties to Hamas.


Man charged with attack that left Salman Rushdie blind to stand trial

The trial of Hadi Matar, accused of stabbing writer Salman Rushdie in August 2022, begins Tuesday in New York after previous delays. Matar, 27, has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder and assault. Rushdie, who was left blind in one eye and with a paralyzed hand, is expected to testify. The attack occurred at a literary event, and Matar's defense had sought to move the trial due to publicity concerns, but the request was denied. Separately, Matar faces federal charges for allegedly supporting Hezbollah. Rushdie, 77, has long faced threats over his 1988 novel The Satanic Verses.


 

Thousands evacuate Santorini as earthquakes shake the island

Thousands are fleeing Santorini after over 300 earthquakes hit the island in 48 hours. About 9,000 people, mostly locals, have left, with emergency flights and ferries aiding evacuation. While no major damage has been reported, residents fear structural collapse, with some sleeping in cars. Authorities have closed schools, restricted gatherings, and warned against landslide-prone areas. Scientists link the tremors to tectonic activity, not volcanic unrest, but caution that quakes could persist. Emergency services remain on high alert, and the Greek government is closely monitoring the situation.


Swedish school campus shooting - At least six injured in one in critical condition

 

At least six people have been injured in a shooting at a school campus in central Sweden, with five suffering gunshot wounds, local officials report. Four have undergone surgery, and one remains in critical condition.

Police believe one of the hospitalized individuals may be the perpetrator and have warned that there could be more injured victims.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson described the incident as "a very painful day" for the nation.

Initially, students and staff were kept inside buildings while police searched for the attacker. They are now being evacuated.

The shooting occurred at a school for adults, though children's schools are also located on the premises.

Authorities first issued a warning to avoid the area at 13:20 local time (12:20 GMT). Shortly after, police confirmed four people had been shot before revising the number to five.


 

Meteor Garden: Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu passes away at 48

Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu, famed for her role in the 2001 TV series Meteor Garden, died at 48 from pneumonia triggered by influenza while visiting Japan during the Lunar New Year. Known as a major pop culture icon across Asia, Hsu's sudden passing has shocked fans, with tributes pouring in on social media. She leaves behind her husband, South Korean singer DJ Koo, and two children. Hsu, who also battled epilepsy and heart disease, became a beloved figure after her breakthrough role as Shancai, a character that inspired a generation of viewers across the Mandarin-speaking world and beyond.



Pro-Russian paramilitary leader killed in Moscow explosion

Armen Sargsyan, leader of the pro-Russian "Arbat" paramilitary battalion, has died in a Moscow hospital after being severely injured in an explosion at a residential building. The blast also wounded others, including his bodyguard, with reports suggesting another fatality.

Sargsyan, accused by Ukraine’s security service of recruiting prisoners to fight and linked to former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, had been wanted internationally since 2014. Russian investigators believe the attack was a targeted assassination.

The explosion follows a series of attacks on pro-Russian figures, including military officials, in both Moscow and occupied Ukrainian territories.