BIDDEFORD, Maine — Demonstrators protesting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) gathered outside the Maine office of Senator Susan Collins after a fatal shooting involving an ICE agent in Biddeford sparked outrage and renewed debate over federal immigration enforcement.

According to videos circulating on social media, dozens of protesters assembled outside the senator’s office, calling for increased oversight of ICE operations and demanding accountability following the deadly incident. Protesters carried signs and chanted slogans criticizing the agency’s enforcement tactics.

Witnesses told local media that the shooting occurred after ICE agents surrounded a vehicle and repeatedly ordered the driver to exit. According to witness accounts, several commands were issued before multiple gunshots rang out. The sounds of the gunfire were also captured on nearby surveillance video that has since circulated on social media.

Authorities have not yet released a complete account of the incident, and officials are continuing to investigate the circumstances that led to the shooting. It remains unclear what prompted the use of deadly force or whether the individual inside the vehicle was armed.

The fatal encounter has intensified scrutiny of ICE operations and prompted demonstrations in parts of Maine, with protesters urging elected officials, including Senator Collins, to take action regarding federal immigration enforcement policies.

Law enforcement officials have asked the public to allow investigators to complete their review before drawing conclusions about the events leading up to the shooting. Authorities are expected to examine surveillance footage, witness statements, and other evidence as part of the investigation.

As of publication, ICE had not released a detailed public statement regarding the incident, and Senator Collins had not publicly commented on the protests outside her office. Officials are expected to provide additional information as the investigation progresses.

TEHRAN, Iran — Unverified reports circulating online have claimed that former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has been placed under house arrest by Iranian authorities over alleged secret dealings with Israel as part of a purported plan to install him as the country’s new leader.

As of publication, Iranian authorities have not officially confirmed the reports, and no credible independent evidence has emerged to substantiate the claims.

The reports, which have spread widely on social media and some online news platforms, allege that the Iranian regime imposed restrictions on Ahmadinejad following accusations of undisclosed contacts with Israel. However, the claims remain unverified and have not been corroborated by internationally recognized news organizations.

Ahmadinejad served as Iran’s president from 2005 to 2013 and has frequently been at odds with Iran’s political establishment since leaving office. In recent years, he has openly criticized government policies and, at times, challenged decisions made by the country’s leadership, prompting speculation about his political future.

Iran’s political system is led by Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who replaces his father, who was killed in a join US- Israeli strikes, while the president oversees the executive branch within the framework established by the country’s constitution. Major developments involving senior political figures are typically announced through official government channels or confirmed by state media.

Political analysts caution that reports concerning internal Iranian politics often emerge amid periods of heightened regional tensions and should be treated carefully until verified by multiple credible sources.

At the time of publication, there has been no official statement from Ahmadinejad, his representatives, or Iranian authorities addressing the allegations. The circumstances surrounding the reported house arrest and the claims of secret dealings with Israel therefore remain unconfirmed.

TAMPA, Fla. — The United States military has announced that it employed one-way attack sea drones in combat for the first time, targeting an Iranian naval facility at Bandar Abbas as part of its latest operations in the escalating confrontation with Iran.

According to a statement posted by the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) on X, three unmanned Corsair surface drones struck a submarine and ship maintenance facility at Iran’s Bandar Abbas Naval Base. CENTCOM said the operation marked the first combat use of attack sea drones by American forces.

CENTCOM stated that the strike was intended to degrade Iran’s ability to continue attacks against commercial shipping transiting the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important maritime corridors. The military said the operation formed part of a broader campaign targeting Iranian military infrastructure, including air defense systems, coastal radar sites, missile and drone capabilities, and small naval vessels.

Bandar Abbas, located on Iran’s southern coast along the Strait of Hormuz, serves as one of the country’s principal naval bases and is home to facilities supporting both surface vessels and submarines. Military analysts consider the base a key component of Iran’s maritime operations in the Persian Gulf.

The introduction of unmanned surface vessels into offensive combat operations represents a significant development in modern naval warfare. The Corsair platform, developed by U.S.-based defense technology company Saronic, had previously been employed in non-combat missions, including a rescue operation involving downed U.S. Army helicopter personnel earlier this year.

The latest strike comes amid intensifying military exchanges between Washington and Tehran over security in the Strait of Hormuz. The United States has repeatedly stated that it will act to preserve freedom of navigation through the waterway. At the same time, Iran has maintained that it can disrupt maritime traffic in response to military pressure.

Iranian authorities had not immediately issued a detailed public response to the reported strike at the time of publication. The latest developments are expected to heighten concerns over regional security and global energy markets, as the Strait of Hormuz remains a critical route for international oil and gas shipments.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. President Donald Trump has said the United States will “probably run” the Strait of Hormuz as tensions with Iran continue to escalate over control of one of the world’s most strategically important waterways.

According to a post by CBS News on X, President Trump made the remarks as the United States and Iran continue to exchange attacks, raising concerns about security in the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow shipping lane through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes.

Trump’s comments come amid heightened military tensions in the Persian Gulf, where concerns have grown over the safety of international shipping and the potential impact of continued hostilities on global energy markets.

The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, serves as a critical maritime chokepoint connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Any disruption to navigation through the waterway could have significant consequences for global oil exports, energy prices, and international trade.

According to the CBS News post, Trump’s remarks suggest the United States could take a leading role in ensuring freedom of navigation through the strategic passage should the conflict with Iran continue to intensify.

Iran has long maintained that it can restrict or close the Strait of Hormuz in response to military or economic pressure, while the United States has repeatedly affirmed its commitment to keeping the waterway open for international commerce.

Military analysts warn that any prolonged confrontation in the Strait of Hormuz could heighten regional instability and increase risks for commercial shipping, prompting renewed calls from the international community for restraint and diplomatic engagement.

The latest developments underscore growing concerns that continued exchanges between Washington and Tehran could further destabilize the Middle East and threaten one of the world’s most vital energy transit routes.

MOSCOW — Ukraine launched another wave of overnight drone attacks on Russian territory, triggering explosions in a residential area near the Russian capital and igniting a large fire in southern Russia, according to Al Jazeera.

Surveillance footage circulating on social media captured a powerful explosion in a neighborhood outside Moscow, where local authorities said Ukrainian drones targeted multiple locations. Russian officials reported that air defense systems intercepted several drones, although debris from the attacks reportedly caused damage to residential buildings and other infrastructure.

In southern Russia, another Ukrainian strike reportedly sparked a significant fire at an energy-related facility, adding to a growing campaign by Kyiv aimed at disrupting Russia’s military logistics and fuel supplies. Emergency crews worked through the night to contain the blaze, while authorities assessed the extent of the damage.

According to Al Jazeera, Ukraine has increasingly relied on long-range drones to strike strategic targets deep inside Russian territory. The campaign is intended to weaken Russia’s ability to sustain military operations by targeting oil depots, fuel storage sites, transportation networks, and other infrastructure supporting the war effort.

Russian officials condemned the attacks as acts of terrorism and said their air defense systems intercepted hundreds of drones in recent operations. Ukraine has not publicly commented on every reported strike but has consistently maintained that attacks inside Russia are directed at military and logistical targets rather than civilians.

The latest attacks come as the conflict continues to intensify, with both Russia and Ukraine carrying out increasingly sophisticated long-range strikes. While Russia continues missile and drone attacks across Ukrainian cities, Kyiv has expanded its use of domestically produced drones to reach targets hundreds of kilometers inside Russian territory.

Military analysts say the growing frequency of Ukrainian drone operations underscores the evolving nature of the war, where unmanned aerial systems have become central to both offensive and defensive strategies. As both sides seek to gain a strategic advantage, civilian communities on either side of the border remain vulnerable to the expanding reach of the conflict.

WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump said Iran contacted him “a while ago” and indicated it wants to negotiate a new agreement with the United States, according to Reuters, signaling a possible opening for diplomacy despite escalating tensions between the two countries.

Speaking during the NATO summit in Ankara, Trump said Iranian officials had initiated contact rather than the other way around.

“They called me a while ago,” Trump said, adding that Iran “wants to make a deal,” according to Reuters. The president did not specify when the communication occurred or provide details about the substance of the reported outreach.

Trump’s remarks come amid renewed instability in U.S.-Iran relations following the collapse of an interim agreement intended to create space for broader negotiations. Earlier this week, the president declared that the temporary accord was “over” after indirect talks failed to produce progress and following renewed military exchanges involving U.S. and Iranian forces.

Despite his claim that Tehran is seeking renewed negotiations, Trump has maintained a firm stance, previously stating that the United States would either secure a new agreement with Iran or “finish the job” if diplomacy failed. His administration has continued to increase economic pressure through sanctions while emphasizing that any future agreement must prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.

Iran has not publicly confirmed Trump’s latest assertion that it reached out seeking a deal. In recent weeks, Iranian officials have repeatedly denied some of Trump’s claims regarding direct contacts while insisting that any diplomatic progress would require respect for Iran’s sovereignty and the lifting of sanctions.

The latest comments suggest that, despite heightened military and political tensions, the possibility of renewed diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran remains under discussion, even as both sides continue to exchange sharp rhetoric.

A new U.S. foreign assistance strategy aimed at supporting healthcare systems across Africa is generating both interest and controversy, as several African governments scrutinize conditions attached to billions of dollars in proposed funding.

According to the BBC, the Trump administration has shifted away from traditional aid models following the dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) last year. The administration is now offering direct bilateral healthcare agreements to countries willing to partner with Washington under a new global health strategy.

The largest agreement announced so far is a $2.5 billion healthcare partnership between the United States and Kenya. The deal, initially signed by Kenyan President William Ruto and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington in December, commits the United States to contribute $1.6 billion while Kenya provides $850 million over five years.

Rubio described the Kenya agreement as the beginning of a broader initiative.

“We hope to sign, I don’t know, 30, 40, how many? Fifty? Well, this is number one. We’ll always remember this one… and we think we’ve picked the perfect partner,” Rubio said, according to the BBC.

The agreement faced delays after activists challenged it in court, but Kenyan cabinet ministers ultimately approved the deal last month.

The Trump administration argues that requiring recipient countries to increase their own healthcare spending will create stronger and more sustainable health systems. Officials contend that previous aid models often relied heavily on non-governmental organizations, creating dependency and increasing administrative costs.

“Our aid to those countries will not just be dollars distributed to an NGO who then will go into the country and impose programmes,” Rubio told a congressional committee, according to the BBC.

“Not only are we treating the acute situations on the ground of people that are sick, we are helping them build the capacity and the capability to do this for themselves,” he added.

The new approach comes after the United States withdrew from the World Health Organization earlier this year. The administration argued that the organization lacked transparency, mishandled the Covid-19 pandemic, and placed an unfair financial burden on Washington.

However, critics say the new bilateral agreements differ significantly from previous global health cooperation efforts because they are tied more closely to American strategic and commercial interests.

According to the BBC, the State Department’s policy framework explicitly states that U.S. pharmaceutical companies and medical firms will receive priority in developing and delivering treatments under the agreements.

The policy document states that America’s global health assistance program is “not just aid” but also serves as “a strategic mechanism to further our bilateral interests around the world.”

By mid-May, 32 countries across Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean had reportedly accepted the health Memorandums of Understanding. However, several African nations, including Ghana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia, have expressed reservations.

In Zambia, Foreign Minister Mulambo Haimbe criticized what he described as efforts to link healthcare funding to a separate agreement involving access to critical minerals.

“Our colleagues looked at it from the perspective that [the two deals] must be taken as a package to be negotiated and concluded at one particular time,” Haimbe told the BBC.

He further stated that Zambia preferred to negotiate the healthcare and mineral agreements independently.

“The US felt that there is need for there to be a preferential treatment in the use of critical minerals. And the framework was to reflect that,” Haimbe said.

The U.S. State Department defended its position, emphasizing that foreign assistance should advance American interests.

“The Trump administration has made clear, US foreign assistance is not charity — rather it is strategic capital to be wisely invested to advance US interests — and we expect all of our allies and recipient nations to take seriously American strategic and commercial priorities,” a State Department spokesperson told the BBC.

Additional controversy emerged last month when the administration announced a complete withdrawal of U.S. funding for HIV/AIDS programs in South Africa. According to the BBC, a U.S. official linked the decision to Pretoria’s alleged failure to meet certain policy requests from Washington, including concerns involving the country’s Afrikaner minority population.

Some African governments have also raised concerns about provisions related to health data sharing. Officials in several countries reportedly questioned whether the agreements could grant U.S. authorities or companies access to sensitive patient information and biological resources, including disease-causing pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites.

As negotiations continue, the new American strategy is highlighting a broader debate over the future of global health assistance, balancing the need for sustainable healthcare funding against concerns over sovereignty, commercial influence, and strategic leverage.

According to the BBC, while many governments welcome the prospect of significant new investment in healthcare systems, others remain cautious about the political and economic commitments that may accompany the funding.

KYIV, Ukraine — A large-scale Russian missile and drone attack on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, has killed at least 10 people and injured 46 others, according to reports, in one of the deadliest assaults on the city in recent weeks. The attack came on the eve of a NATO summit, where Ukraine’s security and continued Western support are expected to be key topics of discussion.

Emergency crews worked through the wreckage of damaged apartment buildings as rescuers searched for survivors trapped beneath collapsed structures. Several residential neighborhoods sustained significant damage after missiles and drones struck the city overnight.

According to Al Jazeera, correspondent Audrey MacAlpine reported from the scene of one of the destroyed residential buildings, describing extensive devastation caused by the strike. She said emergency responders were continuing rescue operations as families searched for loved ones and authorities assessed the full extent of the destruction.

The latest bombardment underscores Russia’s continued use of combined missile and drone attacks against Ukrainian cities despite ongoing international diplomatic efforts to end the war. Ukrainian officials have accused Moscow of deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure, while Russia has consistently maintained that its strikes are aimed at military-related targets.

The attack comes at a critical moment as leaders from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization prepare to meet for a summit expected to focus heavily on Ukraine’s defense needs, military assistance, and long-term security guarantees. The timing of the assault is likely to intensify discussions among alliance members over continued support for Kyiv.

Rescue and recovery efforts remained underway as authorities warned that the casualty toll could rise while crews continue searching through the debris.

According to Al Jazeera, reporter Audrey MacAlpine said the residential building where she was reporting had suffered severe damage, highlighting the human toll of the overnight strike as emergency personnel worked tirelessly to locate survivors.

KANSAS CITY, USA — Colombia secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ghana at Kansas City Stadium in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32, advancing to the next stage of the tournament after a disciplined defensive performance and an early breakthrough from Jhon Arias.

The only goal of the match came in the 14th minute, when Jhon Arias finished a well-worked attacking move to give Colombia an early lead. Despite Ghana’s efforts to find an equalizer, the Black Stars were unable to seriously threaten the Colombian defense throughout the 90 minutes.

The statistics reflected Colombia’s dominance. The South Americans registered 20 total shots, with eight on target, while Ghana managed only eight attempts, none of which required a save from the Colombian goalkeeper. Ghana also failed to create a clear-cut scoring opportunity during the match.

Colombia controlled much of the contest, enjoying 54 percent possession compared with Ghana’s 38 percent, while the remaining possession was contested between both teams. The Colombians consistently moved the ball into dangerous areas, recording numerous entries into the attacking third and keeping pressure on Ghana’s back line for much of the game.

Of Colombia’s 20 attempts, 11 came from inside the penalty area, highlighting their ability to penetrate Ghana’s defense. Ghana, by comparison, managed only one shot from inside the box, relying primarily on speculative efforts from distance that failed to trouble the Colombian goalkeeper.

The decisive goal came after Colombia built patiently from midfield before creating space for Arias, whose clinical finish proved to be the difference between the two sides. Ghana struggled to respond, finding it difficult to connect passes in the final third and rarely stretching Colombia’s organized defensive shape.

Throughout the second half, Ghana attempted to push forward in search of an equalizer, but Colombia remained composed in possession and effectively managed the tempo of the game. The South American side continued to create chances while limiting Ghana to harmless attacking moves.

For Ghana, the defeat marks the end of its FIFA World Cup campaign. The Black Stars entered the knockout stage hoping to become one of Africa’s representatives in the quarterfinals but ultimately produced one of their least threatening attacking performances of the tournament. Failing to register a single shot on target over 90 minutes underscored the offensive challenges they faced against a disciplined Colombian side.

Colombia’s victory sends them into the quarterfinals with growing confidence. Their balanced display—combining attacking efficiency, midfield control, and defensive organization—suggests they could emerge as one of the tournament’s dark horses as the competition progresses.

While Ghana exits with disappointment, Colombia moves one step closer to realizing its ambitions of a deep run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia — Ukraine launched one of its most significant long-range drone attacks of the war on Saturday, striking a major oil terminal in St. Petersburg and targeting military infrastructure in Russia’s northwest, according to Ukrainian officials and reporting by the BBC.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the operation on social media, stating that Ukraine’s defense forces had successfully hit “port oil infrastructure that generates revenue for Russia’s war.” He also revealed that Ukrainian forces struck what he described as an “important military target” in Kronstadt, a strategically important naval base near St. Petersburg.

According to the BBC, the oil terminal in St. Petersburg was indeed struck during the overnight attack after the broadcaster verified footage and other evidence from the scene.

The attack represents one of Ukraine’s deepest strikes into Russian territory, with Zelensky noting that the targets were located approximately 850 kilometers (528 miles) from Ukraine’s border.

Russian Officials Confirm Oil Terminal Strike

Aleksandr Beglov acknowledged that St. Petersburg came under what he called a “massive” Ukrainian drone assault. He confirmed that the city’s oil terminal was hit but reported that there were no casualties.

Beglov said Russian air defenses intercepted 72 Ukrainian drones over St. Petersburg and the surrounding Leningrad region. He urged residents of the city—home to more than five million people—to remain indoors until the drone threat had ended and warned that mobile internet services could experience disruptions during the emergency response.

Strategic Energy Infrastructure Targeted

Ukraine’s military described the damaged oil terminal as one of Russia’s largest petroleum facilities, capable of producing approximately 12.5 million tonnes of petroleum products annually.

The strike is consistent with Ukraine’s broader strategy of targeting Russian energy infrastructure that supports Moscow’s military operations. Over recent months, Ukrainian long-range drone attacks have increasingly focused on fuel depots, oil refineries, and storage facilities inside Russia, with officials in Kyiv arguing that these sites provide critical financial and logistical support for Russia’s war effort.

Video released by Zelensky appeared to show a drone approaching its target before a massive column of black smoke rose into the sky following the impact. While the full extent of the damage has not yet been independently assessed, the BBC confirmed that the oil terminal was struck.

Naval Base Also Reportedly Hit

Ukraine’s military also claimed responsibility for striking the Kronstadt naval base, home to key elements of Russia’s Baltic Fleet.

Russian authorities have not publicly confirmed or commented on Ukraine’s claim that military facilities in Kronstadt sustained damage.

Dispute Over Kostyantynivka Continues

The drone strikes came as Ukraine and Russia continued to dispute control over the eastern Ukrainian town of Kostyantynivka.

On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that Russian forces had established control over the town during June but provided no evidence to support the assertion.

Ukraine firmly rejected that claim.

Military spokesman Maj. Andriy Kovalyov told the BBC that Kostyantynivka remains under the control of Ukraine’s Defense Forces, although he acknowledged that small Russian infantry groups had infiltrated some frontline positions.

“We have cases of infiltration by small infantry groups deep into the combat formations of our forces,” Kovalyov said. “These groups are being identified and destroyed.”

Later Saturday, Zelensky responded directly to Putin’s statement on Telegram.

“If Kostyantynivka is now under Russian control, then Putin will probably have no problem meeting me there and finding diplomatic solutions to finally end the war. But still, he will not cross the front line: the truth is very different from Putin’s words.”

Kostyantynivka is considered one of several heavily fortified towns forming Ukraine’s defensive “fortress belt” in the eastern Donetsk region, much of which remains occupied by Russian forces.

War Enters Another Phase

Saturday’s operation highlights Ukraine’s growing ability to conduct precision long-range drone strikes hundreds of kilometers inside Russian territory. By targeting both energy infrastructure and military installations, Kyiv continues to expand its campaign aimed at disrupting Russia’s logistical capabilities while increasing pressure far beyond the front lines.

The conflict began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. More than four years later, Russia continues to occupy approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory, while fighting remains intense across multiple fronts and both sides continue to escalate long-range attacks on strategic targets.