US President Donald Trump has urged Republicans to vote for a bill that would force the Justice Department to release all files on Jeffrey Epstein. This marks a reversal from his earlier stand. Trump wrote that Republicans “have nothing to hide” and should help end what he called a “Democrat hoax”. Thousands of Epstein documents were released last week, with a few mentioning Trump. The White House said the leaks were selective and meant to smear him. Pressure to release all files has grown among both Democrats and Republicans. The bill is likely to pass in the House, but the Senate outcome is unclear. (PC: Reuters)

A Bangladesh tribunal has said former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is guilty of crimes against humanity during last year’s uprising. The court said she deserves the maximum punishment. Hasina fled to India after violent protests toppled her government. She called the charges false and said the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus wants to destroy her party. In an audio message, she told her supporters not to worry and said she would return to serve the people. The tribunal had asked her to appear in Dhaka, but she refused. Hasina said the current regime is corrupt and has failed the country. (PC: NDTV)

UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced "the most sweeping reforms to tackle illegal migration in modern times," including Trump-style visa bans on Angola, Namibia and Democratic Republic of Congo if they refuse deportations. Modelled on Denmark's system, reforms make refugee status temporary with regular reviews, extend permanent settlement wait to 20 years, and eliminate guaranteed housing and allowances. Article 8 ECHR rights will be restricted to immediate family only, multiple asylum appeals banned, and AI facial technology will verify ages. The government plans new safe legal routes while expediting criminal removals. Conservative leader Badenoch called plans "weak," while Reform's Farage questioned their legal survival. Channel crossings reached 39,075 this year, surpassing 2024's total.

Britain announced its most sweeping asylum reforms, making refugee status temporary and extending permanent residency wait to 20 years. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed refugee status will be reviewed every 2.5 years and revoked if home countries are deemed safe, replacing automatic five-year permanent residence. The government will reinterpret Article 8 of European Convention on Human Rights regarding family life rights. Statutory housing and allowances for asylum seekers who can work but don't, or break laws, will be removed. Drawing from Denmark's strict model, which reduced asylum claims to 40-year lows, the reforms respond to rising illegal Channel crossings and Reform UK party pressure. Over 100 charities condemned the changes, warning against scapegoating migrants and fueling racism. (PC: The Independent)

5 people in their 20s died in a major road crash in Co Louth on Saturday night. They were travelling in a Volkswagen Golf that collided with a Toyota Land Cruiser on the L3168 in Gibstown, Dundalk. All five were pronounced dead at the scene. Another man from the same car was taken to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Two people from the second vehicle were also injured. Police praised emergency workers for handling the difficult scene in bad weather. Ireland’s leaders said the country is in deep shock. Gardaí have asked witnesses and anyone with footage to come forward. (PC: PA)

Dhaka remained tense on Sunday after several crude bombs exploded in the city ahead of Monday’s verdict against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. No one was hurt, but the blasts added to fear already growing from days of unrest. Hasina, 78, is being tried in absentia for alleged crimes against humanity linked to a crackdown on student protests in 2024. She denies all charges and has stayed in India since her ouster last year. Security has been tightened in Dhaka, Gopalganj, and nearby districts. Police and BGB personnel are guarding key areas as the city stays unusually quiet and anxious. (PC: AFP)

A sharp feud has broken out between US President Donald Trump and Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene. Trump called Greene “wacky” and later a “traitor,” saying he will support anyone who runs against her next year. Greene has accused Trump of not putting “America First” and warned he is trying to stop Republicans from backing the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The House will vote soon on whether to release all unclassified Epstein records. Greene says Trump’s attacks have led to threats against her. The clash is surprising as she was one of Trump’s strongest allies during past controversies. (PC: BBC)

Former Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov has claimed that the United States is looking for someone to replace President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He said US officials have been meeting members of Zelenskyy’s team for months to assess possible successors. The claim comes as Ukraine faces a major corruption scandal involving a $100 million kickback scheme in the energy sector. Public anger has grown, and Western partners want stronger action against corruption. Azarov also suggested that the scandal’s exposure shows US involvement. He said Ukraine’s leadership options are limited, as many possible successors are jailed, dead, or living abroad. (PC: AP)

Leaked documents suggest Jeffrey Epstein played a key role connecting Israeli intelligence, including former prime minister Ehud Barak, with African leaders to broker surveillance agreements. Epstein reportedly arranged secret meetings and promoted a proposal for a mass signal-intelligence system to Côte d’Ivoire’s government, designed by former Israeli intelligence officials. This deal, later backed by Ivorian authorities, helped strengthen Israel’s security footprint — critics argue it contributed to a police-state apparatus that suppresses opposition and civic freedoms. (PC: NDTV)

Thousands of people marched in Mexico City to protest against rising violent crime and President Claudia Sheinbaum’s government. The rally, led by Gen Z groups, was sparked by recent killings, including the murder of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo. Police said 120 people were injured, including 100 officers, after clashes turned violent. Protesters broke parts of the barrier around the National Palace, and police used tear gas to push back crowds. Twenty people were arrested for assault and robbery. Sheinbaum said the march was backed by right-wing opponents. She remains popular but faces criticism for not stopping cartel violence. (PC: BBC)