US: Hawaii hit by historic flooding, more rain coming
Residents on the Hawaiian island of Oahu in the US are contending with the worst flooding the state has seen in more than 20 years as winter storms force thousands to abandon their homes to move to safer ground. The Pacific island's North Shore — revered by surfers worldwide for the quality of its waves
Iran war: Natanz nuclear facility hit by US, Israel — Tehran
Skip next section Strikes on Iran to increase this week — Israel's defense minister March 21, 2026 Strikes on Iran to increase this week — Israel's defense minister Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has said that attacks against Iran by his country and the US will be ramped up this week. "This week, the intensity of
Czechs plan major rally as MPs mull ‘foreign agent’ law
Prague is bracing for what could on Saturday be one of the largest demonstrations in the Czech capital in recent years. In addition to concerns over public media, state institutions and foreign policy, campaigners are warning against draft legislation they say resembles Russian-style restrictions on civil society. "The erosion of democracy in the Czech Republic
Why Syria’s new alcohol ban is about much more than beer
This week, municipal authorities in Damascus banned the sale of alcohol in most of the city. Bars and restaurants that have served alcohol there for decades will no longer be allowed to, and it will only be possible to buy alcohol in closed bottles in a handful of Christian-majority neighborhoods, to take away. This isn't
Germany news: Merz to call Trump amid Hormuz standoff
Skip next section Banned Nureyev ballet set for Berlin opening night March 21, 2026 Banned Nureyev ballet set for Berlin opening night A ballet chronicling the life of legendary Soviet-born dancer Rudolf Nureyev, banned in Russia over "gay propaganda" allegations, makes its international premiere in Germany on Saturday evening. "Nureyev," which was created by Russian director
An answer to America’s drought may be hiding in the toilet
The United States is facing a growing water problem. Around half of the country is experiencing drought conditions right now — and it's only March. Climate change is making the problem worse, with rising temperatures intensifying drought. When rain does fall, it increasingly comes in intense bursts that can run off hardened, dry ground rather than
South Korea: Blaze at auto parts factory kills 11
At least eleven people were killed and three remain missing after a fire tore through an auto parts factory in Daejeon, South Korea on Friday, officials said. "We understand that 11 are dead, 25 are seriously injured," an official from the interior ministry's department that handles fires and other disasters told AFP news agency. "We also understand
Germany’s finance minister rejects money misuse accusations
Lars Klingbeil, the finance minister from the center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD), who likes to call himself the "Minister of Investment," has more money at his disposal than any of his predecessors before him. In 2025, the Bundestag approved a special fund for infrastructure and climate neutrality, allowing €500 billion ($579 million) in additional debt. One year later
Racism in Germany widespread, but more subtle than before
First, the good news: According to a recent survey, racism and discrimination in Germany are on a slight decline compared to studies from previous years. But that's where the reassuring findings end. This is because xenophobic and derogatory views remain rampant. From October 2025 through January of this year, approximately 8,200 people in Germany between
India sends emergency medical aid to Afghanistan
Skip next section Trapped at Sea: Indian Seafarers are caught in the Strait of Hormuz standoff March 21, 2026 Trapped at Sea: Indian Seafarers are caught in the Strait of Hormuz standoff Thousands of Indian seafarers are trapped aboard vessels unable to move through the Strait of Hormuz — one of the world's most volatile