A Syrian court has sentenced ousted President Bashar Assad and his brother Maher to death in absentia for crimes against humanity during Syria's 14-year conflict. The Fourth Criminal Court in Damascus issued the sentences Tuesday, marking the first against Assad or his inner circle since their regime fell 20 months ago. Assad's cousin, Atef Najib, was also sentenced to death for his role in the crackdown that led to the civil war. Assad and his brother fled to Russia after their government's fall in December 2024. Syria's new rulers have requested their extradition.

PHOENIX (AP) — Democratic Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs has picked a Republican-turned-independent to be her running mate in a tough reelection cam…

Congo's Ebola outbreak has claimed at least 2,000 lives, making it the fastest-growing on record. Government data shows 4,381 confirmed cases, with 2,011 deaths. Health authorities struggle to reach remote areas due to rebel conflict, bad roads, and work stoppages over payment issues. The outbreak, declared on May 15, likely began months earlier. It's the second-largest in history, behind the 2014-2016 West Africa outbreak. The Bundibugyo virus responsible has no approved vaccines or treatments. Clinical trials have begun in Ituri province. Aid workers say the outbreak outpaces response efforts, with many health workers on strike.

Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have renewed attacks on government-controlled areas in Yemen. The violence on Tuesday adds to concerns that it could reignite civil war and deepens fears over threats to regional shipping routes. With the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed by Iran, there has been renewed focus on the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait at Yemen’s southern tip. That's an alternate route for Saudi Arabia to ship its oil to open oceans. Meanwhile, Iran's foreign minister underscored Tehran's stance that the strait cannot be reopened until the United States ends its blockade of Iranian ports and meets other demands.