World Cup 2026 draw under way with nostalgic nod to Italia '90
The ceremony began at 1700GMT with a "pre-draw" show scheduled to last an hour, opened by Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli singing Nessun Dorma - the theme to the Italia '90 World Cup.
World News
Putin arrest warrant will stand even if Ukraine agrees to amnesty, ICC prosecutors say
France investigates reports of drones over nuclear sub base
Honor killing in US: Afghan man kills wife in Washington state femicide
US sets 2027 deadline for Europe-led NATO defense, officials say
In the meeting, Pentagon officials indicated that Washington was not yet satisfied with the strides Europe has made to boost its defense capabilities since Russia's expanded invasion of Ukraine.
Boycotts could hurt Eurovision budget but not the 'show,' host ORF says
At a meeting on Thursday, national broadcasters that make up the European Broadcasting Union cleared Israel to take part in the next contest in May
US Congress introduces bill to promote uncensored internet access in Iran
The Feasibility Review of Emerging Equipment for Digital Open Media Act, if passed, would open a probe into the possibility of implementing new technology to improve uncensored internet access.
Assad's exiled spy chief and billionaire cousin plot Syrian uprisings from Russia
A Reuters investigation found that loyalists to Syria's former Assad regime are funneling millions of dollars into stirring uprisings against the new government.
Tucker Carlson to headline Qatar’s Doha Forum, triggering pro-Israel backlash
Right-wing commentator Tucker Carlson is slated to speak at the Doha Forum in Qatar this weekend, sharpening debates over US-Qatari ties.
Taiwan, Japan voice concern over largest Chinese maritime show of force to date
Reuters reported on Thursday that China was deploying a large number of naval and coast guard ships across East Asian waters, its largest maritime show of force to date.
Honduras presidential candidate Nasralla says Trump interference damaged election - interview
Honduran presidential candidate Salvador Nasralla claimed that US President Donald Trump's surprise endorsement of the conservative candidate, Nasry Asfura, had flipped the race.
US senators unveil bill to prevent easing of curbs on Nvidia chip sales to China
"Denying Beijing access to (the best American) AI chips is essential to our national security," Republican Senator Pete Ricketts said in a statement.
Somalis arrested in Minneapolis immigration operation, federal officials say
Also on Thursday, federal officials said they had arrested dozens of people in New Orleans, another Democratic-run city.
Drones were spotted near Zelensky flight path to Dublin, Irish media report
An Irish navy ship detected drones near Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s flight path during his state visit, prompting a security alert as authorities probe their origin.
