Five Americans land in Qatar after being freed by Iran September 18, 2023 at 05:28AM

Five U.S. citizens arrived in Doha, Qatar, after being released from imprisonment in Iran in a prisoner swap. The exchange was accompanied by the transfer of $6 billion in Iranian funds. President Joe Biden welcomed the news but it remains unclear if this will lead to progress on the issues dividing the two nations. The exchange was facilitated by Qatar, with the U.S. citizens and two relatives transported from Tehran to Doha. The ambassador of Switzerland to Iran accompanied the U.S. citizens.

Italy mulls new migrant crackdown as talk turns to naval blockade to prevent launching of boats September 18, 2023 at 04:51AM

The Italian Cabinet has met to discuss new measures to address the influx of migrants, particularly those who do not qualify for asylum. Premier Giorgia Meloni plans to extend the detention period for these migrants to 18 months and increase the number of detention centers. The recent arrival of nearly 7,000 migrants in a day has overwhelmed the island of Lampedusa, prompting calls for a naval blockade of North Africa.

No 'median line' in Taiwan Strait: China asserts after sending 103 warplanes around Taiwan September 18, 2023 at 04:04AM

Hundreds of flying taxis to be made in Ohio, home of the Wright brothers and astronaut legends September 18, 2023 at 01:18AM

Joby Aviation Inc. has announced an agreement with the state of Ohio to manufacture electric planes in the Ohio river valley. The planes, which take off and land vertically, are part of the emerging field of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Joby's production aircraft is designed to transport a pilot and four passengers at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour, with a maximum range of 100 miles.

Ukraine says it will sue Poland, Hungary and Slovakia over food import bans September 18, 2023 at 12:05AM

Ukraine plans to sue Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia over their bans on Ukrainian agricultural products. The restrictions were imposed by the European Union in May, allowing certain countries to ban the domestic sales of Ukrainian wheat, maize, rapeseed, and sunflower seeds. Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary have now announced their own restrictions on Ukrainian grain imports.

Human rights in Russia have 'significantly deteriorated' since war - UN expert September 17, 2023 at 11:46PM

The human rights situation in Russia has worsened since its invasion of Ukraine last year, according to a United Nations report. The report accuses Russian authorities of carrying out mass arbitrary arrests and using torture and ill-treatment on detainees. It also highlights the crackdown on civil society organizations and independent media through legislative restrictions.