Kilmar Abrego Garcia relieved to not be arrested after US court hearing

Fighting and insecurity persist in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, escalate their offensive, resulting in over 400 civilian deaths in South Kivu Province and significant displacement of approximately 200,000 people from Uvira. Despite a recent peace deal brokered by the US, the situation on the ground remains dire.

A senior US official indicated that Ukraine's potential integration into the European Union by 2027 is unlikely, despite the US plan to end the war in Ukraine. European diplomats highlighted that even if pro-Moscow governments like Hungary were to agree, numerous complex issues would need to be resolved swiftly.

Sectarianism continues to significantly impact daily life in Lebanon, undermining national unity and exacerbating tensions among the country's diverse religious communities. This persistent issue has historical roots and remains a critical challenge for the nation as it seeks stability and cohesion.

Swiss singer Nemo, the first non-binary winner of the Eurovision Song Contest, has returned their trophy in protest against Israel's participation in the upcoming 2026 contest, following a decision by the European Broadcasting Union to allow Israel to compete despite ongoing geopolitical tensions. This protest aligns with a broader backlash against Israel's inclusion in the event.

Paramount has launched a $108.4 billion hostile bid for Warner Bros Discovery, directly challenging Netflix's previous agreement to acquire the studio and its streaming operations for approximately $72 billion. This escalation highlights the intense competition in the media landscape as major players vie for control over valuable content and distribution channels.

Preservationists have initiated a lawsuit to stop the construction of a 90,000-square-foot ballroom addition at the White House, which they argue has proceeded without the necessary legal approvals. Critics claim that this project exemplifies a disregard for established regulations.

Danish intelligence services have accused the United States of leveraging its economic power to impose its will on allies, marking a significant shift in Denmark's security assessments. This accusation comes in the context of the DDIS's annual report, which identifies the US as a growing threat alongside concerns over its strategic interests in Greenland, crucial for national security.

UN peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix has raised alarms about the potential for a 'regional conflagration' in the Great Lakes region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as M23 rebels continue to make territorial gains. The situation has escalated with accusations against Rwanda for its support of the M23, which has led to increased tensions in the area.