Trump Fires Attorney General Pam Bondi
President Donald Trump has dismissed Attorney General Pam Bondi, a loyal supporter of his administration. Bondi, who has faced significant scrutiny regarding the handling of cases related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, is set to transition to a private sector position, as announced by Trump on Truth Social.
Bondi described her time in office as “the honor of a lifetime,” emphasizing her commitment to ensuring a smooth handover to her former deputy, Todd Blanche. She expressed optimism that her new role would allow her to continue supporting the Trump administration. This move follows the recent termination of Kristi Noem from her position as Secretary of Homeland Security.
Macron Critiques Trump’s Strategy on Iran Conflict
French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed concerns over President Trump’s management of the Iran situation, advocating for a more serious approach. In remarks made during his visit to South Korea, Macron stated, “This is not a show. We are talking about war and peace and the lives of men and women.”
Macron underscored the importance of alliances like NATO, cautioning that public skepticism about commitments can erode trust. He refrained from commenting on specific operations involving the U.S. and Israel, highlighting that European nations are not directly involved in the conflict.
Tragic Shooting of Infant in New York
A heartbreaking incident occurred in Brooklyn, New York, where a seven-month-old baby girl was fatally shot while in her stroller. Authorities suspect the shooting is gang-related.
Eyewitness reports indicate that a motorcyclist opened fire before crashing his vehicle. While one suspect has been apprehended, another remains at large. Mayor Zoran Mamdani characterized the event as “a stark reminder of how much work still needs to be done to combat gun violence.”
Emergency services confirmed the infant’s death at Woodhull Hospital, while investigations are ongoing.
Argentina Expels Iranian Diplomat Over Tensions
Diplomatic tensions escalated as Argentina declared Mohsen Tehrani, Iran’s temporary envoy in Buenos Aires, “persona non grata.” This move follows Iran’s refusal to label the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) a terrorist organization.
Argentina’s Foreign Ministry cited “false, aggressive and baseless accusations” from Iran, which has condemned the expulsion as a threat to its national interests.
Strikes Halt Iranian Steel Production
Production at Iran’s two major steel factories has been halted due to airstrikes carried out by the United States and Israel, with operations potentially suspended for six months to a year.
The Khuzestan and Mobarakeh steel companies announced a complete shutdown of their primary production lines. Reports from Israeli media suggest the attacks were coordinated with the U.S. to target Iran’s economy, with Iran’s foreign minister confirming that several facilities, including civilian nuclear sites, were hit.
Missing Kenyans in Russia Amid Army Recruitment
In a troubling development, Kenyan Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi reported that 16 Kenyans are unaccounted for in Russia after enlisting in the military. Meanwhile, 47 have returned from the front lines in Ukraine, while 38 remain hospitalized in Russia with limited access.
More than 250 Kenyans are believed to have joined the conflict, drawn by promises of salaries up to $2,700 per month and the prospect of citizenship. Two individuals are reportedly being held as prisoners of war in Ukraine, though most recruits signed up voluntarily and were aware of the associated risks.
Tragic Attack on Nursery School in Uganda
In Kampala, Uganda, police report the brutal stabbing deaths of four young children, aged 2 and 3, at a nursery school. A 39-year-old suspect is currently in custody as investigators probe the motive behind the attack.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene as parents rushed to intervene. Fortunately, the ten other children present were unharmed and have since been reunited with their families. Authorities are delving into how the assailant gained access to the school.
Casualties Rise in Burkina Faso Since Junta Takeover
More than 1,800 civilians, including children, have died in Burkina Faso since Ibrahim Traore assumed power three years ago, according to a report from Human Rights Watch. The organization revealed that 57 murders were largely committed by military forces and allied militias, with additional fatalities attributed to Islamic extremists.
Human Rights Watch has pointed to Traore and six senior commanders as potentially bearing command responsibility for these violations, calling for thorough investigations into the attacks on civilians, as well as incidents of looting and forced displacement.
First Deportations Under US-Uganda Agreement
A group of twelve deportees from the United States arrived in Uganda, marking the initial implementation of a Bilateral Safe Third Country Agreement. This agreement allows the U.S. to relocate immigrants who are unable to return to their home countries.
Officials have stated that the transfers were conducted in close collaboration with the Ugandan government, although specific case details remain confidential to protect individual privacy.
ADF Attack Leaves 43 Dead in Democratic Republic of Congo
At least 43 individuals were killed, and 44 homes were destroyed in an attack by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a group linked to ISIL, in Bahwakoa, Ituri province. Regional forces have confirmed these casualties and attributed the violence to the ADF, known for its history of multiple attacks in eastern DRC.
The military continues to contend with challenges posed by other armed organizations, including the Rwandan-backed M23, which captured several major cities in eastern Congo last year.
