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Melania Trump returns to Washington after four-week absence.

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After a four-week absence from Washington, first lady Melania Trump returned to the White House on Saturday for an annual dinner and reception with the nation’s governors. “She worked very hard on making sure that everything was beautiful. And she’s very good at that,” President Donald Trump said in brief remarks to governors in the candlelit East Room, his wife seated nearby at a table filled with overflowing vases of white hydrangeas and tulips. While Melania Trump may be preparing the White House for visitors — she announced in a statement last week that tours of the historic home are reopening to the public — the first lady apparently has had less interest in spending time there.  Since her husband took the oath of office on January 20, she has not spent significant time at the White House, according to sources with direct knowledge of her schedule. Melania Trump was an active presence during the first days of the president’s second term, but after joining her husband for...
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I wanted to scatter Dad’s ashes in Antarctica. It didn’t go as planned.

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Dressed for the coldest conditions, I step out of the zodiac and place my feet on the White Continent for the first time. I feel a little awkward, because I’m still finding my way in this Antarctic armor. I’m wearing four layers on top, including three jackets, all of their hoods over my head. Thick winter gloves cover my fingers. In my pocket is, of all things, a bag of ashes, which adds to the bulk. I can feel the bump it makes on the right side of my jacket as I bend over and secure my snowshoes. I brought the bag because, like many travelers, I thought spreading Dad’s ashes somewhere special would be a nice tribute. This June will be 10 years since he died, and it would have been special to share this trip to Antarctica with him. Maybe a ceremonial offering, such as the spreading of his ashes, could suffice. I’m prepared to spread the ashes on this very walk, amongst the icebergs, mountains, penguins and glacier blue ice. But, before we set off on the snowshoe, the guide gives a sa...
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India v Pakistan: Cricket's ultimate grudge match in the desert.

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The last time India and Pakistan clashed in a major ICC 50-over contest was in 2023, at the highly anticipated World Cup league match in Ahmedabad. As a contest, it turned out to be a bit of an anti-climax - India, in dominant form, comfortably chased down a subpar Pakistan target, securing a resounding victory.   And as Pakistani fans didn't get visas to travel to India, aside from the cricket team, the country's only notable presence was in the media centre. Sunday's ICC Champions Trophy clash between the arch-rivals at Dubai International Stadium promises a vastly different atmosphere. The International Cricket Council (ICC) reported that tickets sold out within minutes - and with the UAE hosting more than 3.7 million Indians and nearly 1.7 million Pakistanis, a vibrant and well-represented crowd from both nations is all but guaranteed.  But can a sea of green flags in the stands inspire Pakistan's Mohammad Rizwan's men to defy the odds in this must-win cla...
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Congratulations to insults... Trump and Zelensky, in their own words.

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  US President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky have entered a war of words after the US leader initiated talks with Russia about ending the conflict, but did not include Ukraine. After Zelensky said Trump was in a "disinformation space", Trump called Zelensky a "dictator" - a remark condemned by Kyiv's allies. The two have traded barbs in the past, but Zelensky has usually tried to toe a diplomatic line with Trump. Here is a look back at what the two have said to, and about, one another, and how their public relationship has developed over the years. Zelensky is elected, and relations remain cordial 21 April 2019:  On the day Zelensky is elected president of Ukraine, Trump, still in his first term, calls Zelensky to congratulate him. Trump says it was an "incredible election" and adds that "you will do a great job". 2019:  Allies of Trump begin stoking allegations that Joe Biden, then Democratic frontrunner for p...
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Tears of joy as freed Thai hostages arrive home.

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Five Thai farm workers released by Hamas in Gaza last month have arrived home in Bangkok, after spending nearly 500 days in captivity.   Pongsak Thaenna, Sathian Suwannakham, Watchara Sriaoun, Bannawat Saethao and Surasak Lamnao had all been working in southern Israel when they were kidnapped during the attacks by Hamas on 7 October 2023. There were emotional scenes on Sunday morning as the five men were embraced by tearful relatives at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport's arrivals hall.  "I don't know how to put it into words," released hostage Mr Pongsak said. "I'd like to thank all the officials who were involved in helping us out until we're standing here. "We wouldn't be here without you helping us. We're very touched and very glad to have returned to our homeland. I am truly grateful." Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa said it was "very inspiring" to witness their return following their release on 30 January. Somboon ...
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Wrongfully detained American teacher Marc Fogel meets with Trump after being released from Russia in an ‘exchange’.

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Marc Fogel, an American teacher detained for more than three years in Russia, was welcomed back to the US by President Donald Trump on Tuesday night after the White House secured his release in an “exchange.” Fogel arrived at the White House late Tuesday draped in an American flag and was greeted by Trump, who said it was “an honor to have played a small role” in his release. “Thank you all, and I love our country, and I’m so happy to be back here. And I wish I could articulate it better,” said Fogel, who appeared overwhelmed with emotion as he spoke in the Diplomatic Reception Room.   The deal to release Fogel, who was designated as wrongfully detained by the US State Department, was negotiated by Trump, Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff, “and the President’s advisers,” according to a statement from national security adviser Mike Waltz. The statement did not provide any details about the “exchange,” other than to say it was “a show of good faith from ...
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Congratulations to insults... Trump and Zelensky, in their own words.

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  US President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky have entered a war of words after the US leader initiated talks with Russia about ending the conflict, but did not include Ukraine. After Zelensky said Trump was in a "disinformation space", Trump called Zelensky a "dictator" - a remark condemned by Kyiv's allies. The two have traded barbs in the past, but Zelensky has usually tried to toe a diplomatic line with Trump. Here is a look back at what the two have said to, and about, one another, and how their public relationship has developed over the years. Zelensky is elected, and relations remain cordial 21 April 2019:  On the day Zelensky is elected president of Ukraine, Trump, still in his first term, calls Zelensky to congratulate him. Trump says it was an "incredible election" and adds that "you will do a great job". 2019:  Allies of Trump begin stoking allegations that Joe Biden, then Democratic frontrunner for p...
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