Jesse Jackson dies aged 84
Jesse Jackson, a US civil rights leader, has died at the age of 84, his family has announced. The founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition passed away peacefully, surrounded by relatives.
Jackson, who twice sought the Democratic presidential nomination, was a towering figure in American politics and a close ally of Martin Luther King Jr. He had been diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy and had faced declining health in recent years.
Tributes poured in, including from former US president Barack Obama, who praised his lifelong struggle for racial justice.
Clinton accuses Trump administration of Epstein cover-up
Hillary Clinton has accused the administration of Donald Trump of slow-walking the release of files linked to Jeffrey Epstein.
Clinton said the American public deserved full transparency as Congress prepares to hold hearings.
The White House rejected the allegation, saying millions of pages had already been released by the Justice Department.
Officials said some material remains sealed due to privacy and ongoing investigations. The dispute has intensified political tensions in Washington ahead of fresh scrutiny on Capitol Hill.
New Mexico launches probe into Epstein’s Zorro Ranch
Lawmakers in New Mexico have approved a bipartisan “truth commission” to investigate alleged abuses at Epstein’s Zorro Ranch property.
The commission will gather testimony from victims and residents and issue a full report later this year.
State Representative Melanie Stansbury said the aim is to establish a complete record and strengthen safeguards. The move follows the release of millions of previously unpublished files related to Epstein.
The case continues to reverberate across US institutions years after he died in custody.
Russia–Ukraine talks resume in Geneva amid continued strikes
Russian and Ukrainian delegations have concluded the first day of US-brokered peace talks in Geneva.
Ukrainian negotiator Rustem Umerov said discussions would continue, though expectations of a breakthrough remain low.
President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated Kyiv’s readiness to pause certain strikes if reciprocal steps are taken. The talks come as cross-border drone and missile attacks continue.
Both sides say discussions focused on practical mechanisms rather than sweeping concessions.
Iran, US report progress in nuclear talks
Iran says it has agreed on “guiding principles” with the United States in renewed discussions over Tehran’s nuclear programme.
Abbas Araghchi, Foreign Minister, described the talks as constructive but acknowledged significant details remain unresolved. Marco Rubio, US Secretary of state said progress had been made.
Mediators from Oman said the parties had identified common technical ground. The negotiations aim to curb nuclear tensions while potentially easing economic sanctions.
AFRICA
Family of Edgar Lungu rejects poisoning claims
The family of Edgar Lungu, the former Zambian president has dismissed allegations that he was poisoned before his death in South Africa last year.
His body remains in a South African morgue amid a legal dispute over burial arrangements. Lawyers say the family is cooperating with investigations but describe the claims as unfounded.
The case has deepened political sensitivities in Zambia. Authorities have yet to provide conclusive findings.
Kenya airport strike suspended after talks
Aviation workers in Kenya have agreed to resume duties after two days of disruption at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
The strike caused flight cancellations and lengthy delays at one of Africa’s busiest hubs. Davies Chirchir, the Transport Minister, said urgent negotiations helped restore operations. Passengers reported waiting more than 20 hours. Authorities expect a gradual normalisation of schedules.
UN warns of grave abuses against migrants in Libya
A new report by the United Nations Human Rights Office warns that migrants in Libya face torture, sexual violence and arbitrary detention.
The report calls for a halt to returns of intercepted migrants until human rights safeguards are ensured.
Libya remains a key transit route for those attempting to cross the Mediterranean to Europe. The findings raise renewed scrutiny of EU cooperation with Libyan authorities.
UN officials say urgent protections are needed for vulnerable groups, including children.
Erdogan criticises Israel’s recognition of Somaliland
Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Turkish president, has said Israel’s recognition of Somaliland does not benefit regional stability. He reaffirmed Turkey’s support for the territorial integrity of states in the Horn of Africa.
Erdogan warned against foreign powers turning the region into a geopolitical battleground. The comments were made during a visit to Ethiopia.
Malawi police hunt suspects in fake funeral charcoal scheme
Police in Malawi are searching for nine suspects accused of using a hearse disguised as part of a funeral procession to smuggle charcoal. Officials say an empty coffin concealed bags of the illicit fuel intercepted near Blantyre.
Charcoal trafficking remains a major driver of deforestation in the country. A funeral service manager disputes elements of the allegations.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing as environmental enforcement tightens.
