The White House revealed today that North Korea has been supplying ballistic missiles to Russia for use in its war against Ukraine. John Kirby, a White House spokesman, said North Korea has shipped several kinds of missiles to Russia in recent months in violation of UN restrictions, with some already being fired into Ukraine this week. In return, Russia is providing military technologies to help advance North Korea's weapons programs. The Biden administration warned this underscores the need for more military aid to Ukraine as Russia steps up attacks on civilian infrastructure. The White House called it deeply concerning that American adversaries North Korea and Russia are working together to prolong the conflict in Ukraine.

A shooting at a high school in Perry, Iowa on Thursday left several people injured and the suspected shooter dead. The incident occurred before classes had started for the day at Perry High School, leaving few students and staff present at the time. Multiple gunshot victims were taken to a hospital in Des Moines, about 40 miles away. The suspect died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to law enforcement. The shooting took place as Republican candidates campaigned nearby ahead of the Iowa caucuses. Fifteen-year-old student Zander Shelley was grazed twice before hiding in a classroom and texting his father. The shooting comes amid a rash of gun violence at schools across the country.

The Islamic State has asserted responsibility for twin explosions during an Iranian ceremony commemorating Qassem Soleimani's death, resulting in nearly 100 casualties. The first blast, confirmed as a "suicide bomber" attack, was followed by a second explosion near Soleimani's grave. Iranian leaders, including Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, vowed a "harsh response" against the perceived culprits, whom officials, such as Mohammad Jamshidi and Esmail Qaani, linked to the U.S. and Israel. However, some experts, including Ali Vaez, note that the attack's characteristics align more with the modus operandi of the Islamic State.

Labour questions the closure of Catamaran Ventures, owned by Rishi Sunak's wife, Akshata Murty. The firm, which held shares in a government-backed education start-up, wound up in December. Labour's Pat McFadden queries the impact on affiliated businesses, tax arrangements, and urges continued transparency in ministerial interests. Catamaran's closure reportedly resulted in a significant charity donation. With an election looming, this move suggests Labour's scrutiny of Murty's wealth could play a role in campaigning. Previously under scrutiny for non-dom status, Murty, heiress to Infosys, holds an estimated £700m in Infosys shares.            

Amid Israel's move to withdraw troops from Gaza, the Biden administration perceives a positive shift towards lower-intensity military operations. While Israel's reduction is slower than desired, U.S. officials see it as a response to Washington's urging for targeted strikes. The withdrawal aims to relieve the economic toll and enhance preparation for future operations. However, skepticism lingers over the pace of the transition, with ongoing fighting anticipated into 2024. Recent high-profile actions, including the killing of a senior Hamas leader, fuel speculation about a potential shift to more surgical operations, raising concerns about broader regional implications.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has indicated that the next UK general election will likely be held in the second half of 2024. During a visit to Mansfield on Thursday, Sunak said his "working assumption" is that the election will take place in the autumn of this year. While he did not definitively rule out the possibility of a spring election in May, Sunak reiterated his intention to go to the polls later in 2024. The Conservative leader said he wants more time to focus on managing the economy, cutting taxes, and tackling illegal migration before facing voters. Sunak's comments provide the clearest hint yet on the expected timing of the next election, which polls suggest the Tories are on course to lose after 14 years in power.

Newly released documents reveal Jeffrey Epstein emailed Ghislaine Maxwell in 2015 denying victim allegations about Stephen Hawking's involvement in an underage orgy. The 946 pages contain emails where Epstein asked Maxwell to find evidence disproving accuser Virginia Giuffre's claims. Epstein specifically highlighted Giuffre's allegations of a dinner with Bill Clinton and a Virgin Islands trip where Hawking was present at an underage orgy. The documents were unsealed after a judge ruled the names of over 150 people mentioned in Giuffre's lawsuit no longer needed to be kept private. Maxwell is currently serving 20 years in prison for her role in Epstein's sex trafficking ring.

The recent unsealing of court documents related to deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has exposed lurid details of his sex trafficking operation and connections to powerful figures. Testimony alleges former President Bill Clinton appreciated 'young' girls, while emails show Epstein trying to disprove accusations about Stephen Hawking. Donald Trump is also mentioned, with claims Epstein proposed contacting Trump during a flight. The documents provide deeper insight into Epstein's predatory behavior and ties to rich and influential people. Epstein died by suicide in 2019 ahead of a sex crimes trial. His associate Ghislaine Maxwell was convicted last year for her role and is appealing.

Previously sealed court documents unsealed this week reveal the names of several high-profile associates of deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, including Prince Andrew, former president Bill Clinton, Michael Jackson, and Donald Trump. The names were contained in depositions related to a lawsuit brought by Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre against British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell, who was convicted last year on sex trafficking charges for procuring girls for Epstein. While the documents contain no new accusations of wrongdoing against those named within, some are mentioned in passing during testimony. Epstein died by suicide in jail in 2019 ahead of a sex trafficking trial. Maxwell maintains her innocence and is currently appealing her conviction in the case.

The United States, joined by 12 allied nations, has issued a final warning to Houthi rebels, demanding an immediate halt to their attacks on Red Sea vessels. The rebels, linked to 23 assaults since Dec. 19 in response to the Israel-Hamas conflict, face potential military action if they persist. The joint statement, signed by major nations, emphasizes the responsibility the Houthis bear for threatening lives and disrupting global commerce. As tensions escalate, Operation Prosperity Guardian is actively protecting shipping lanes, with recent incidents involving U.S. helicopters retaliating against Houthi attacks, escalating concerns about a broader regional conflict.