M23 rebels tighten their grip on major city in eastern DRC

Rwandan-backed M23 rebels patrol major intersections in Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province.

Source: Al Jazeera

In China, a factory worker-poet dreams of a better life — with papers

Some 300 million migrant workers in China live as second-class citizens without proper documents. This worker-poet is trying to get new “hukou” and live the Chinese Dream.

Source: Washington Post

China’s Xi hosts summit with business leaders, including Alibaba’s Jack Ma

Chinese leader meets corporate leaders amid economic challenges including slowing down and high youth unemployment.

Source: Al Jazeera

Under Trump, CIA plots bigger role in drug cartel fight

The CIA is developing plans to fulfill President Donald Trump’s campaign pledges to get tough on Mexico’s drug cartels, but critics warn of a backlash.

Source: Washington Post

Israel and Hamas in talks to double the number of hostages released this weekend

Israel is preparing to receive 6 hostages Saturday as well as the bodies of deceased captives from Gaza on Thursday, a source briefed on the talks told NBC News.

Source: NBC News

Unchilding Palestine’s children

Israeli and Western portrayal of Palestinian children as adults aims to cover up their murder, maiming and imprisonment.

Source: Al Jazeera

Finnish president warns Europe faces new Yalta or Helsinki moment

Also in this newsletter: How the EU wants to counter critical medicine shortages

Source: Financial Times

Israel to remain in 5 'strategic points' in Lebanon despite withdrawal deadline

Israel said on Monday its forces will remain in five strategic points inside Lebanon after Tuesday's deadline for their full withdrawal, an Israel Defence Forces spokesman has said. Lebanon's president …

Source: France 24

From Ground Zero: the Gazan film made amid bombs, blackouts and bereavement

The makers of an Oscar-shortlisted anthology on documenting destruction but ‘rejecting despair’

Source: Financial Times

US, Russia confirm high-level Ukraine talks without Kyiv

Ukraine’s president says he “knew nothing about” high-level talks between the US and Russia to end Moscow’s war.

Source: Al Jazeera

China says tweak to official U.S. fact sheet on Taiwan risks peace

China says the Trump administration has "gravely backpedaled" the U.S. position on Taiwan by removing a short clause in an online fact sheet.

Source: CBS News

Solar has taken off in red states. Trump’s funding freeze is causing panic

On his first day, the president paused billions of dollars in funding for clean energy projects initiated by Biden

Mike Mullett strains to see through sheets of misty rain while …

Source: The Guardian