Tensions are escalating in Albania as lawmakers grapple on the floor of parliament in Tirana. The confrontation comes amid accusations of corruption and growing anger over the government’s handling of protests. Demonstrators have clashed with police as students demand greater investment in education and protesters call for Prime Minister Edi Rama to resign.

Canada and Turkey have announced the launch of negotiations on a free trade agreement during Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to Ankara.

The announcement comes as Canada faces an ongoing trade war with the United States.

Carney’s visit marks the first by a Canadian prime minister to Turkey.

Albanian lawmakers grapple on the floor of parliament in Tirana as opposition members accuse the government of violently targeting protesters amid more than a week of unrest.

Student demonstrators have taken to the streets since last week, demanding greater support for education and renewing calls for Prime Minister Edi Rama to resign.

France is facing renewed controversy after President Emmanuel Macron threatened to ban protests deemed “illegitimate” following days of unrest and looting. While the government blames far-left groups and vandals for the violence, the demonstrations began over education concerns and expanded amid anger over the cost of living and public services. The move has reignited debate over public order and the right to protest.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree warns Saudi Arabia against carrying out threats to target Yemeni tribes, saying any such action would have “catastrophic and unexpected” consequences.

Saree says the group could resort to major options it had previously avoided and holds Riyadh responsible for any resulting escalation.

Yemen’s Houthi group claims to have carried out four military operations against targets in Saudi Arabia over the past 48 hours.

The group says the targets included the Defence Ministry in Riyadh, King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, an Aramco site in Yanbu and Abha International Airport.

“Bismillah” means “In the name of God” in Arabic and is commonly said by Muslims before beginning something. In France, the phrase “Bismillah, c’est les ténèbres” has become a viral meme after students suspected a Snapchat account trying to join their protest group was linked to undercover police. The claim remains unconfirmed, but protesters are now using the phrase to mock what they see as stereotypes about young people from Arab and African backgrounds.

US President Donald Trump says a potential end to Russia’s war in Ukraine may be closer than ever, as Washington continues negotiations with Moscow.

Speaking at the White House, Trump thanks Russian President Vladimir Putin for freeing a detained American and says he is pleased that Russia has not become involved in the conflict with Iran.

He also declines to comment on Steve Witkoff describing Putin as “a humanitarian.”

US President Donald Trump says Russia and China have played a smaller role than they could have in the conflict involving Iran.

He says he is pleased with their limited involvement and does not want to disrupt what he describes as progress toward a possible agreement to end Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Iraq’s Prime Minister asked his cabinet to swear an oath of honor over the Quran, pledging to fight corruption and protect public funds. But footage of the ceremony sparked online debate over some ministers’ reactions, including claims that some did not place their hands on the Quran. The claims have not been independently verified in every case, raising questions about the ceremony and its message of accountability.