World

Germany’s First Official Bundeswehr Military Strategy

The German Bundeswehr has for the first time officially adopted a military strategy, citing an increasingly dangerous international situation. The strategy defines the future focus of the German armed forces and analyzes how the Bundeswehr can counter potential threats.

Israel-Lebanon Truce Extended; Trump Moves Medical Marijuana

Strait Of Hormuz Shipping Crisis, Marijuana Reclassification, Georgia Wildfires Good morning. You're reading the Up First newsletter. Subscribe here to get it delivered to your inbox, and listen to the Up First podcast for all the news you need to start your day.

Pope Leo's Africa Tour: Calls for Peace and Unity

Pope Leo XIV's first trip to Africa was intended to set an example and send a clear message of peace to the world. That was the message from church circles at the start of the pontiff's journey to four African countries.

Hormuz Standoff Threatens Ceasefire Talks

Skip next section US military says it seized another vessel in the Indian Ocean April 23, 2026 US military says it seized another vessel in the Indian Ocean The US military seized another tanker accused of smuggling Iranian oil in the Indian Ocean during the US blockade of Iranian ports.

Rebuilding Ukraine's power system under fire

In autumn 2024, Russia launched massive aerial assaults on Ukraine, pounding its energy system and raising fears about the safety of its nuclear power plants. Several reactors were disconnected from the grid. One shut down entirely. "It wasn't that we were scared," says Shaun Burnie, recalling that night. "It was that we were terrified."

Pahlavi Urges Europe to Back Regime Change in Iran

Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran's former Shah, urged European governments not to appease Iran's leadership, saying continuing to negotiate would only keep the current power system in place. "If you think you can make peace with this regime, you are sorely mistaken," he said during a press conference in Berlin on Thursday.

Two suspected spies arrested in Bavaria

Skip next section Ritter Sport to made first ever redundancies April 23, 2026 Ritter Sport to made first ever redundancies German chocolate manufacturer Ritter Sport is set to make redundancies for the first time in the company's 110-year history, a spokesman confirmed on Thursday, with just over 10% of jobs affected.

A Bookshop Holiday in Wigtown, Scotland

Running a cozy little bookshop where readers can meet and connect over their favorite authors is a dream shared by many book nerds. But beyond the romanticized idea, the independent bookstore business is renowned for being risky, which is why most people never get to follow that dream.

Prince Harry Makes Surprise Visit to Kyiv

Prince Harry, the younger son of King Charles III, made a surprise visit to the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv on Thursday. The prince, who arrived on an overnight train from Poland, was filmed getting off the train and greeting people on the platform by Britain's ITV News.

Two Trains Collide Near Copenhagen, 17 Injured

Two trains collided in Denmark on Thursday, injuring 17 people, five of them critically, authorities said. The incident happened near ​Hillerod, north ​of ‌Copenhagen, and police received alerts about the crash at about 6:30 a.m. (0430 GMT).