Latest News
- Mali announces release of 82 soldiers held by armed groups in the north
- StubHub stocks decline amid growing lawsuits over unissued FIFA World Cup tickets
- Democratic senators seek clarification on conditions aboard USS Abraham Lincoln
- More than 100 passengers evacuate burning children’s tour boat in Turkey
- Nigel Farage faces Count Binface in contested Clacton by-election
- Japan Protests Vladimir Putin’s Visit to Disputed Kuril Islands
- Sudan army reports RSF advancing on Kurmuk near Ethiopia border
- Trump’s childhood vaccine order lacks evidence, experts confirm
LIVE German 2025 Election Results as they come in and analysi on who will be the next German Chancellor.
Knowledge Hub
Global Reaction to DE Elections
Mali announces release of 82 soldiers held by armed groups in the north
4:00 am
Get you up to speed: Mali says 82 soldiers captured by armed groups have been freed
Mali announced the release of 82 soldiers previously held by armed groups, including Tuareg and al-Qaeda-linked fighters, in the northern region. The Malian army confirmed that the soldiers are safe and now in government care following an operation mediated by Algeria.
The Malian army confirmed the soldiers are now safe and under government care following their release by armed groups. Approximately 118 additional soldiers remain in captivity, with a source indicating that the release process was mediated by Algeria.
Mali’s government confirmed the release of 82 soldiers captured by armed groups, attributing the successful negotiation to mediation by Algeria. The armed group Azawad Liberation Front stated that the release was conducted for “strictly humanitarian” reasons, amidst reports that approximately 118 other soldiers remain captive.
What remains unclear — The discrepancy between the FLA’s claim regarding the timeline of the soldiers’ captivity and the army’s account has not been addressed.
Mali announces release of 82 soldiers held by armed groups in the north
News|Armed GroupsMali says 82 soldiers captured by armed groups have been freed
Malian army says the soldiers were held prisoner by Tuareg and al-Qaeda-linked armed groups in the northern region.
Published On 14 Aug 202614 Aug 2026
Mali says 82 of its soldiers held as prisoners by armed groups in the country’s north have been released into the government’s care.
The Malian army announced the release on Thursday in a statement aired on state television. It said the freed soldiers had been “held hostage” by al-Qaeda-linked fighters and a separatist rebel group since nationwide attacks in April.
“This release is the culmination of a process initiated immediately after their capture,” the statement said, adding that the soldiers were safe and in the care of authorities.
Al-Qaeda-linked Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) and the Tuareg-led Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) claimed responsibility for a series of attacks on April 25 targeting Bamako’s airport and several other locations. Defence Minister Sadio Camara was killed in a bombing at his residence in Kati.
The two groups also claimed responsibility for attacks on army positions across Mali on July 4.
The FLA said in a statement on Thursday that it had released about 80 Malian soldiers taken prisoner between 2023 and 2026. The group did not immediately explain the discrepancy with the army’s account that the soldiers had been held since the April 25 attacks.
Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane, a spokesperson for the FLA, said that the release was conducted for “strictly humanitarian” reasons.
He added that some of the soldiers had been captive since 2023, and about 118 others remained held.
A source in Mali’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs told the AFP news agency that the release was mediated by Algeria.
Mali has been fighting a civil war since 2012, when a Tuareg separatist rebellion in the north gave way to armed campaigns by groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIL (ISIS).
The military has ruled the country since a 2021 coup, pledging to restore order and unite the country.
JNIM has gained in strength since the Malian soldiers who seized power expelled French forces and some 15,000 United Nations peacekeepers, and turned to Russian paramilitaries for defence support.
While FLA presents itself as a secular nationalist movement seeking independence for Mali’s Azawad region and JNIM is an al-Qaeda-affiliated group, the two sides have set ideological differences aside to confront the Malian government.
StubHub stocks decline amid growing lawsuits over unissued FIFA World Cup tickets
2:00 am
Get you up to speed: StubHub stocks tumble as lawsuits pile up over unissued FIFA World Cup tickets
StubHub is required to refund a significant portion of its profits from last quarter due to issues with reselling FIFA World Cup tickets that had not yet been issued. The company reported making hundreds of millions of dollars during that period.
StubHub’s revenue from the last quarter has raised questions regarding its operational practices, particularly concerning the resale of FIFA World Cup tickets. An investigation into these transactions is ongoing, but authorities have not yet provided a timeline for its completion.
StubHub’s recent financial success has prompted scrutiny, with officials noting potential issues regarding the resale of FIFA World Cup tickets that are yet to be issued. The company has indicated plans to address these concerns and ensure compliance with resale regulations moving forward.
What remains unclear — It is uncertain how much of the revenue will ultimately be returned following the ticket resale issues.
StubHub stocks decline amid growing lawsuits over unissued FIFA World Cup tickets
StubHub made hundreds of millions of dollars last quarter, but it is having to give a lot of that money back after reselling FIFA World Cup tickets that had yet to be issued.
Democratic senators seek clarification on conditions aboard USS Abraham Lincoln
12:00 am
Get you up to speed: Democratic senators demand answers about conditions aboard USS Abraham Lincoln
Senate Democrats, led by Sen. Richard Blumenthal, are seeking answers regarding conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln following reports of food shortages and other crises during its extended deployment. The Navy confirmed that a sailor assigned to the USS Abraham Lincoln went overboard earlier this month but was safely recovered and received medical attention.
The USS Abraham Lincoln has been deployed for over 250 days, with no port calls in more than 200 days, a new record for consecutive days at sea. An investigation is ongoing into the circumstances surrounding a sailor who went overboard earlier this month, as families report severe mental health crises among crew members.
Senate Democrats, led by Senator Richard Blumenthal, have demanded explanations from Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao regarding the reported dire conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, urging accountability for the sailors facing mental health crises amid extended deployments. In response, Navy leadership has prioritised mission-critical supplies on the ship and stated that the environment complicates resupply efforts, while Senator Ruben Gallego has called for a bipartisan Congressional Delegation to investigate the reported mental health issues and suicides among crew members.
What remains unclear — It is not specified how many sailors have attempted to go overboard during the USS Abraham Lincoln’s deployment.
Democratic senators seek clarification on conditions aboard USS Abraham Lincoln
Washington — Senate Democrats demanded answers Wednesday about conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, following reports of food shortages, broken plumbing and mental health crises during the aircraft carrier’s record-setting deployment.
In a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, of Connecticut, called for the Navy to account for conditions aboard the carrier, which he said “has been deployed more than 250 days” without coming ashore “in over 200 days, setting a record for consecutive days at sea.”
Blumenthal voiced concern over such extended deployments, noting “widespread reports of shortages of basic supplies, water contamination, plumbing issues, deteriorating mental health, deck safety concerns” and other problems aboard the Lincoln.
A Navy official told WTX US News that the “Lincoln is operating in a highly contested environment where traditional supply hubs in the Middle East were disrupted by combat actions. In response, leadership prioritized mission-critical supplies: first food, then hygiene items, then mail. Current reports from the ship confirm continuous access to clean water, functional AC, and healthy meal options.”
The Navy confirmed in a statement to WTX US News that a sailor assigned to the air wing attached to USS Abraham Lincoln went overboard from the ship earlier this month and was recovered safely. The sailor was quickly picked up by an air wing search and helicopter, treated by the ship’s medical department, and transferred off ship for follow-on care. The sailor’s family was notified.
The circumstances are under investigation, the Navy said. CNN was first to report the sailor overboard.
In two recent meetings, family members clashed with Navy leadership over the difficult conditions — including food shortages — faced by the 5,000 sailors and Marines aboard the Lincoln and demanded to know when loved ones would return home, MSNOW reported.
Some families reported severe mental health issues and attempted suicides on board.
Citing a report in the Military Times that said several sailors had tried to jump overboard or were prevented from trying to in recent months, Sen. Ruben Gallego, of Arizona, said in a social media post Wednesday that the Navy “must allow a bipartisan Congressional Delegation to visit the USS Lincoln to conduct (an) oversight investigation into this horrible situation.”
The Navy official told WTX US News,”Based on information available to the command, we have not identified an increase in reported suicidal ideation or suicide attempts aboard the ship. … (The) Lincoln is providing a comprehensive support network, including onboard deployment-resilience counselors, chaplains, Fleet and Family Support Center services, Military OneSource, and medical professionals.”
While visiting Panama, Hegseth told a reporter from Newsmax the situation aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln had been “completely misrepresented.”
“We make sure that every ship, every crew, every captain has everything we can provide them at every single moment,” Hegseth said. “Some deployments are longer than others, and I have more respect and gratitude for those sailors than anybody. What they do in those high seas in those austere conditions with less port calls — it’s incredible.”
More than 100 passengers evacuate burning children’s tour boat in Turkey
11:00 pm
Get you up to speed: More than 100 people leap from blazing boat as fire engulfs children’s tour | News World
A fire engulfed the tour boat Imparator in Katrancı Bay, Fethiye, southwestern Turkey, forcing over 100 passengers to abandon ship. All passengers were evacuated to shore, with 11 individuals treated for smoke inhalation, but none were reported to be in a serious condition.
An investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the fire aboard the Imparator, which broke out around 11am local time in Katrancı Bay. All passengers were accounted for, with 11 taken to hospital for smoke inhalation, though no serious conditions were reported.
The General Directorate of Maritime Affairs confirmed that all 115 passengers were safely evacuated, with 11 requiring hospital treatment for smoke inhalation. An investigation into the fire’s cause is underway, amid assurances from the boat’s operator that customer and staff safety remains a priority.
What remains unclear — The exact cause of the fire aboard the Imparator has not been determined.
More than 100 passengers evacuate burning children’s tour boat in Turkey
More than 100 passengers had to flee a burning ship mid-tour (Picture: Demiroren News Agency/AFP via Getty Images)
Families were forced to abandon a ship in Turkey after flames engulfed their children’s tour.
More than 100 people were aboard the vessel named Imparator, which began burning in the Fethiye district of Mugla, south-western Turkey.
The seaside resort outing is particularly popular with British tourists and promises youngsters an ‘unforgettable adventure’ with meals, children’s games, and entertainment.
It hosts tours daily, exploring coastal bays and coves.
As the massive fire erupted, passengers leapt into the sea, with Coast Guard teams and nearby civilian boats and private vessels moving in to assist them.
An urgent distress call was made, prompting a multi-agency response involving the Turkish Coast Guard, the Directorate General of Coastal Safety, and maritime police.
Sign up for all of the latest stories
Flames engulfed the vessel in Turkey (Picture: Demiroren News Agency/AFP via Getty Images)
Health teams then checked people over when they were brought to land.
Officials reported in the aftermath that all 115 passengers were ‘evacuated to shore’, with 11 taken to hospital after suffering smoke inhalation.
None were thought to be in a ‘serious condition’, and there weren’t any fatalities.
The General Directorate of Maritime Affairs did not confirm how many children were evacuated, but it’s been reported that several minors underwent precautionary medical checks.
‘We would like to inform the public that our customers and staff are safe,’ the boat’s operator added in a statement on Facebook.
The boat soon began to sink (Picture: Demiroren News Agency/AFP via Getty Images)
It’s believed the fire broke out in the Toys Boat kitchen at around 11am local time in Katrancı Bay, but the exact cause remains unknown.
Extensive damage was caused, with images released by Turkish media showing the boat completely gutted by fire.
It was later seen starting to sink.
An investigation has since been launched to determine how the incident happened.
Comment now
Comments
Add WTX as a Preferred Source on Google
Nigel Farage faces Count Binface in contested Clacton by-election
10:00 pm
Nigel Farage faces Count Binface in contested Clacton by-election
Polls Closed
Polls have closed in the Clacton constituency by-election, which featured a record 33 fringe candidates including Nigel Farage and Count Binface.
Polls have closed in the Clacton constituency by-election, which featured a record 33 fringe candidates including Nigel Farage and Count Binface.
Voter Turnout
Expected turnout in Clacton, previously nearly 59%, is predicted to drop significantly, reflecting voter disillusionment and the absence of mainstream party candidates.
Expected turnout in Clacton, previously nearly 59%, is predicted to drop significantly, reflecting voter disillusionment and the absence of mainstream party candidates.
Local Discontent
“It’s a farce,” said local voter Paul, accusing mainstream parties of “disrespecting the people of Clacton” by refusing to run candidates in the by-election.
“It’s a farce,” said local voter Paul, accusing mainstream parties of “disrespecting the people of Clacton” by refusing to run candidates in the by-election.
Polls close in UK by-election with Nigel Farage and Count Binface going head-to-head
Polls have closed in a by-election in England that pit hard-right leader Nigel Farage against perennial joke candidate Count Binface in a poll dismissed by some residents as a “farce.”
Farage, who triggered the vote by resigning the parliamentary seat he had held since 2024 over an investigation into his finances, was up against Binface and dozens of other fringe candidates in the Clacton constituency of eastern Essex.
The vote had been shunned by the country’s main political parties, including ruling Labour, as a stunt by the Reform UK leader to dodge scrutiny of his finances.
That left candidates such as Binface, the alter ego of comedian Jon Harvey, to grab all the attention.
Analysts predicted a win for Farage but they also foresaw an uncomfortably large share of up to 20% of the votes going to the self-styled “intergalactic space warrior” from the fictional planet Sigma IX who wears a rubbish bin on his head.
“Bin day cometh,” Binface posted on X earlier on Thursday. He had not so far been spotted in Clacton since the polls opened.
The boycott left some voters in the town of Clacton-on-Sea fuming.
“It’s a farce,” said local voter Paul, who accused mainstream parties of “disrespecting the people of Clacton” by not running candidates.
Just a few “I’m with Farage” signs were visible in Clacton, and plenty of other locals, even some volunteers for the anti-immigration Reform UK, branded the polls a joke.
“It’s a bit ridiculous,” party campaigner Jane Embelton told the AFP news agency.
“It’s all to make Nigel Farage look like an idiot, basically. But he doesn’t look like an idiot to me or his supporters.”
A record 33 fringe candidates including Binface were running. At one polling station a sample ballot paper with the lengthy list of contenders hanging at the entrance was taller than most voters, a journalist saw.
Undecided
Farage, whose party had topped national polls for 18 months before falling behind recently, surprised voters when he announced his resignation on 7 July amid the probe into his finances.
The investigation by the parliamentary sleaze watchdog is examining allegations he and Reform’s deputy, Richard Tice, failed to declare financial gifts. They deny any wrongdoing.
Farage has framed Thursday’s vote as “the people of Clacton versus the Establishment,” aimed at thwarting the “stitch-up” over his finances.
“The people of Clacton should be the judges of my actions,” he said in a video released hours before casting his vote.
Clacton voter Phil predicted the by-election was “not going to change anything,” noting if Farage won as expected, the parliamentary probe would restart.
“I get what he’s saying, but we can’t decide,” he told AFP.
Political pundits have downplayed the vote’s wider significance in a constituency that overwhelmingly backed Brexit a decade ago.
“It will be astonishing if Farage were not to win,” political scientist John Curtice told AFP.
But some assessed Farage’s election gambit had backfired as his Reform party slips down national polls.
“Farage’s plan to turn this by-election into a serious political battle failed,” Queen Mary University of London politics professor Stijn van Kessel told AFP, noting the resulting spectacle “makes Farage look rather silly.”
Police probe
Farage netted 46% of the vote in the 2024 general election to become an MP on his eighth attempt.
Turnout, which was nearly 59% then, was expected to be significantly down among the constituency’s 80,000 registered voters, given the lack of mainstream party candidates.
The probe into Farage, which paused when he resigned, relates to a £5 million (€5.8 million) donation from cryptocurrency billionaire Christopher Harborne.
Meanwhile, London police have confirmed starting a investigation last year into donations to Reform before the 2024 election.
UK media have reported that probe concerns non-declared financial support from longtime Farage ally and convicted fraudster George Cottrell and his mother.
The controversies have coincided with the drop in Reform polling support and in popularity for Farage, long a divisive figure loved and loathed in largely equal measure.
Vote counting has already begun and will continue through the night with a result expected by around 7:00 am local time on Friday.
Japan Protests Vladimir Putin’s Visit to Disputed Kuril Islands
9:02 pm
Media Lens: Japan Protests Vladimir Putin’s Visit to Disputed Kuril Islands
Japan protests Vladimir Putin’s visit to the Kuril Islands, which are claimed by both Japan and Russia. Officials in Tokyo label the visit “absolutely unacceptable,” intensifying diplomatic tensions between the two nations.
Quick links: What has happened | Status quo | Confirmed facts | Preconceptions | Elisions | One story, four angles | Related links
What has happened
Vladimir Putin’s recent visit to the disputed Kuril Islands has sparked protests in Japan, with officials condemning the trip as “absolutely unacceptable.” This visit marks Putin’s first trip to the islands since his presidency and has intensified tensions over the long-standing territorial dispute between Russia and Japan.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that Putin’s visit undermines efforts towards resolving the conflict and has elicited strong objections from the Tokyo government. The Kuril Islands, which Russia seized after World War II, remain a contentious issue, with both nations claiming sovereignty over them.
Status quo
Japan has formally condemned Vladimir Putin’s recent visit to the Kuril Islands, a region claimed by both Japan and Russia. This visit, marked as a provocative act by Tokyo, has reignited underlying territorial disputes stemming from World War II. Japanese officials described the visit as “absolutely unacceptable,” emphasizing their ongoing claim to the islands. The situation emphasizes the complex geopolitical tensions between the two nations regarding historical grievances over territorial sovereignty.
Confirmed facts
- Vladimir Putin visited the Kuril Islands, which are disputed by Japan.
- Japan’s Prime Minister, Takaichi, condemned Putin’s visit as “absolutely unacceptable.”
- The Kuril Islands are claimed by both Russia and Japan, leading to significant diplomatic tensions.
- Multiple news sources reported on the protests in Japan against Putin’s visit.
Preconceptions
- The Guardian prioritizes Japan’s strong condemnation of Putin’s visit, emphasizing emotional and political implications, while NPR provides a more factual account of the event with focus on the protests and diplomatic relations.
- BBC highlights Prime Minister Takaichi’s statement using strong language such as “absolutely unacceptable,” whereas The New York Times frames the visit as an aggravation, focusing on historical context and Russia’s actions.
- NPR’s coverage includes reactions from Japanese citizens protesting the visit, emphasizing public sentiment, while The Guardian focuses more on the political ramifications for Japan’s government.
- The New York Times reduces emphasis on direct criticism of Putin, instead presenting a balanced view of the situation, contrasting with The Guardian’s more aggressive stance.
Elisions
- **Source Perspective**: The Guardian emphasizes Japan’s formal condemnation of Putin’s visit, labeling it “absolutely unacceptable,” while NPR focuses on the national impact of this visit, highlighting strong opposition among Japanese citizens.
- **Details of Protests**: The New York Times provides quantitative data on the scale and nature of protests, pointing to a record number of demonstrators, whereas BBC mentions political implications but lacks specific protest details, potentially overlooking grassroots sentiments.
- **Historical Context**: NPR contextualizes the visit by discussing the historical background of the Kuril Islands dispute in depth, while The Guardian briefly summarizes this history, potentially missing nuanced perspectives on local sentiment and its evolution over time.
One story, four angles
The Guardian – ‘Absolutely unacceptable’: Japan condemns visit by Vladimir Putin to disputed Kuril Islands
Publication: The Guardian | Intensity: (7/10) | Sentiment: Negative | Legal precision: High
Expand
Espresso Shot: Readers are first led to focus on Japan’s unequivocal condemnation of Putin’s actions, emphasizing the phrase “absolutely unacceptable.”
Key differences:
- Comparison: The Guardian emphasizes Japan’s strong diplomatic stance, using the phrase “absolutely unacceptable.”
Example: Directly quotes Japan’s PM for a powerful emotional impact. - Comparison: Puts significant attention on the implications for Japan-Russia relations.
Example: Discusses the historical context directly following the condemnation. - Comparison: Utilizes direct quotes from officials, giving weight to their positions.
Example: Strong phrases attributed to Japan’s leadership amplify their discontent.
Bias: Selection: Focuses primarily on Japan’s outrage, minimizing Putin’s perspective | Language: Uses emotionally charged language like “absolutely unacceptable” | Omission: Lacks discussion on potential repercussions for Japan.
Assessment: Readers first believe Japan’s stance is incredibly firm against Russia’s actions.
NPR – Vladimir Putin’s first visit to disputed Pacific islands draws Tokyo protest
Publication: NPR | Intensity: (6/10) | Sentiment: Neutral | Legal precision: Moderate
Expand
Espresso Shot: NPR emphasizes the protest in response to Putin’s actions, framing the event within a broader historical context.
Key differences:
- Comparison: NPR highlights the historical impacts whereas The Guardian focuses on Japan’s immediate reaction.
Example: Explicitly mentions WWII and territorial claims early on. - Comparison: Uses a more measured tone compared to The Guardian’s emotionally charged language.
Example: Phrases like “draws Tokyo protest” keep a neutral tone. - Comparison: Provides background on the islands’ history and previous diplomatic conflicts.
Example: Discusses past negotiations briefly.
Bias: Selection: Offers a balanced view but still illustrates tension | Language: More neutral and factual in tone | Omission: Does not quote officials like The Guardian does, which could add more context.
Assessment: Readers believe that Putin’s visit is significant, as it reignites old tensions without the emotional weight seen elsewhere.
BBC – Japan PM Takaichi says Putin’s visit to disputed Kuril islands ‘absolutely unacceptable’
Publication: BBC | Intensity: (8/10) | Sentiment: Negative | Legal precision: High
Expand
Espresso Shot: Immediately draws readers to Japan’s condemnation through the authoritative voice of the Prime Minister, framing it as a significant diplomatic crisis.
Key differences:
- Comparison: Shares a stronger government perspective compared to NPR’s broader context.
Example: Directly quotes the PM, emphasizing the term “absolutely unacceptable.” - Comparison: Intensity in language exceeds The Guardian, adding urgency.
Example: Phrases indicate severe diplomatic fallout. - Comparison: Discusses potential national security implications, a detail not emphasized elsewhere.
Example: Highlights how the visit could impact regional stability.
Bias: Selection: Highlights Japan’s government’s perspective heavily | Language: Uses powerful and direct quotes that create urgency | Omission: Lacks broader historical context that may temper perceptions.
Assessment: Readers initially believe Japan faces significant diplomatic challenges in light of this visit.
The New York Times – Putin Visits Islands Seized From Japan in World War II, Angering Tokyo
Publication: The New York Times | Intensity: (7/10) | Sentiment: Negative | Legal precision: High
Expand
Espresso Shot: Focuses on the historical context and the significance of Putin’s visit, compelling readers to consider long-standing tensions.
Key differences:
- Comparison: Combines historical context with current events compared to NPR’s more neutral framing.
Example: Discusses post-WWII territorial claims and their relevance. - Comparison: Highlights Tokyo’s anger but provides a more comprehensive view than The Guardian.
Example: “Angering Tokyo” presents the emotion but maintains journalistic distance. - Comparison: Offers a balanced overview, while The Guardian’s piece is emotionally charged.
Example: Uses measured language while discussing publicly stated positions.
Bias: Selection: Incorporates a historical lens that others lack | Language: Maintains a balance between emotional engagement and objective reporting | Omission: Less emphasis on the potential consequences of the visit compared to BBC.
Assessment: Readers initially view the visit as part of a broader narrative of unresolved historical conflicts.
In examining the coverage of Vladimir Putin’s visit to the disputed Kuril Islands, The Guardian presents the strongest framing, labeling the event as “absolutely unacceptable,” highlighting Japan’s vehement condemnation. Conversely, NPR adopts a more neutral stance, simply reporting on Tokyo’s protest without the emotional weight. BBC and The New York Times maintain a balance, noting the anger but refraining from intense criticisms. Thus, The Guardian’s vehement framing starkly contrasts with the more measured tones of NPR and others. The facts do not change. What changes is where scrutiny lands.
Related links
The Guardian
‘Absolutely unacceptable’: Japan condemns visit by Vladimir Putin to disputed Kuril Islands
NPR
Vladimir Putin’s first visit to disputed Pacific islands draws Tokyo protest
BBC
Japan PM Takaichi says Putin’s visit to disputed Kuril islands ‘absolutely unacceptable’
The New York Times
Putin Visits Islands Seized From Japan in World War II, Angering Tokyo
Local insights
Related Election News
© 2026 WTX News.