STAT

The Dutch government is preparing for possible US sanctions against the International Criminal Court, which is headquartered in The Hague. The measures, threatened under the Trump administration over the court's actions involving Israel, could hit the ICC's finances and operations hard. The prospect has prompted concern in the Netherlands and the wider European Union about protecting the court's independence.

Sudan is effectively governed by two rival powers: the army-backed administration controls much of the formal state apparatus, while the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces exercises authority across territory it holds. Washington's position that neither represents legitimate constitutional governance raises questions about who can speak and act for Sudan internationally, with observers debating the implications for diplomacy and aid.

Google has released updated satellite imagery on Google Earth showing the scale of destruction in Gaza, with news outlets including The Independent highlighting how the new images expose devastated neighbourhoods. The refreshed views allow the public to see, street by street, the extent of damage from more than two years of conflict in the territory.

France has proposed that fines imposed on Google by the European Union should be used to reduce the contributions that member states pay into the EU budget. The suggestion, reported by Reuters, would redirect competition penalty revenues away from general spending. The idea raises questions over how the bloc should treat one-off fines from large technology companies in its long-term financial planning.

The UAE's president held talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to the Emirates' state news agency, discussing bilateral relations between the two countries. Details of the conversation were not immediately released. The contacts come as the Abraham Accords partners navigate regional tensions, and observers are watching closely for signs of how the Gulf state's relationship with Israel will develop.

A North Korean vice minister declared the country's nuclear weapons status to be 'irreversible', according to reports carried by South Korean outlet SBS. The statement reaffirms Pyongyang's long-standing position that it will not give up its nuclear arsenal, and it has drawn attention amid ongoing tensions on the Korean peninsula and stalled denuclearisation talks.

Manchester City has issued a formal statement responding to reports that the club breached the majority of the Premier League's financial rules. The club's response pushes back on the allegations, which come amid the long-running investigation into City's finances. Fans and pundits are debating the implications for the club, potential sanctions, and the wider credibility of the Premier League's financial regulations.

The US Supreme Court has ruled that states can use the federal SAVE database to verify the citizenship status of people registering to vote. The decision lets states run voter rolls against the immigration-status system, a step several Republican-led states have sought. Supporters argue it protects election integrity, while critics warn it could wrongly purge eligible voters and raises privacy and accuracy concerns about the database.

North Korea has stated that its status as a nuclear weapons state is irreversible, reinforcing its long-standing position that it will not give up its arsenal. The declaration draws attention amid ongoing tensions with the United States and South Korea over Pyongyang's weapons programme and stalled denuclearisation talks.

Pope Leo is taking on an increasingly visible statesman role, with appeals for peace as conflicts flare around the world. The Washington Post reports that the pontiff has leaned into diplomatic advocacy, positioning the papacy as a moral voice amid renewed warfare. The piece highlights how his early pontificate is being defined by calls for dialogue and de-escalation.

The large robotic arm on the International Space Station has stopped working, and NASA says it is currently unable to move it. The Canada-arm2 manipulator is a critical tool for capturing cargo vehicles and supporting spacewalks, so any outage draws close attention. Engineers are assessing the fault, and officials stress the problem is described as temporary while troubleshooting continues.

A senior North Korean diplomat said the country's nuclear status can never be reversed 'in any circumstances', ruling out denuclearisation talks in the strongest terms yet. The statement, reported by South Korean media, underscores Pyongyang's insistence on being recognised as a nuclear power and comes despite ongoing international sanctions and diplomatic pressure.

The Muslim World League has issued a call for the establishment of a Palestinian state and urgent international action to end the humanitarian suffering in Gaza. The announcement, reported by Arab News, adds a prominent religious body's voice to ongoing diplomatic appeals over the conflict, urging an immediate resolution to the crisis.

Counter Terrorism Police have released five men arrested over the incident at RAF Fairford on bail while the investigation continues. Officers say the suspects remain under investigation and that the activity may have been carried out by proxies for a foreign state, often for financial gain. The foreign-involvement angle has fuelled widespread public speculation about the nature of the incident.

Denis Alipov, Russia's ambassador to India, said the United States would never allow India to become the next China as a strategic competitor. The remark, made in New Delhi, frames Washington as intent on limiting India's rise regardless of current warm ties. It is drawing attention in India amid ongoing debate over the country's balancing act between the US, Russia and China.

UK officials say it is too early to attribute a plot involving an airbase to a foreign state, despite speculation about possible foreign involvement. Authorities are continuing their investigation and have not named any country or confirmed details about those behind the alleged plot.

US Ambassador Mike Waltz said Washington rejected a proposal from Iran intended to end the war, because it came with sanctions-related demands. He stated that the US had offered to supply uranium for Iran's civilian nuclear program, but Iran refused to accept that arrangement. The remarks add detail to ongoing negotiations over Iran's nuclear activities and the terms for a ceasefire.

British authorities are investigating whether a foreign state was involved in an alleged plot targeting a UK airbase. The suspects detained in the case have been released without charge, though the inquiry into possible foreign state involvement continues. Officials have not publicly named any country, and details about the suspects or the specific base remain limited as the investigation proceeds.

Rising interest rates are weighing on the real estate market, according to Bay News 9. Higher borrowing costs are affecting home affordability and demand, with buyers and sellers adjusting to changing mortgage conditions. The report has drawn attention as households and industry watchers assess what costlier credit means for housing prices and sales activity.

The CDC has confirmed an E coli outbreak spanning multiple US states, linked to raw milk cheese. The announcement puts fresh attention on the risks of unpasteurized dairy products, which can carry harmful bacteria. Health officials are expected to identify affected brands and advise consumers as the investigation develops.

Paramount and several state regulators are pushing back against demands for a more extensive review of its pending merger deal. Both the company and the states involved have rejected calls to widen the examination of the transaction, signalling they want the approval process to proceed without further delays or added scrutiny.

Russia's Central Election Commission has not published final State Duma election results for four occupied Ukrainian territories or 21 federal subjects, according to the Moscow Times. Significant data gaps are also reported in the Kursk region and Yakutia, raising questions about the completeness and transparency of the official vote count.

New York and New Jersey have both declared states of emergency as a powerful Nor'easter storm moves through the region, bringing heavy snow, strong winds and hazardous travel conditions. Officials have canceled events across the area and urged residents to stay off the roads as the storm intensifies.