U.S.-Russia Talks Leave Ukraine Peace Efforts Uncertain 
Honduras Election Turmoil Intensifies as Nasralla Blames Trump for Shift in Results 
U.S. Expected to Expand Travel Ban to More Than 30 Countries 
China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
UN General Assembly Demands Russia Return Ukrainian Children Amid Ongoing Conflict 
Trump and Lula Discuss Trade, Sanctions, and Security in “Productive” Phone Call 
New Orleans Immigration Crackdown Sparks Fear as Federal Arrests Intensify 
Michael Dell Pledges $6.25 Billion to Boost Children’s Investment Accounts Under Trump Initiative 
California Launches Portal for Reporting Alleged Misconduct by Federal Immigration Agents 
Maduro Confirms “Respectful” Call With Trump, Signals Openness to Diplomatic Dialogue 
Taiwan Signals Openness to Renew Ties with Honduras as Election Unfolds 
China’s Expanding Maritime Military Presence Alarms Taiwan and Japan 
Drones Spotted Near Zelenskiy’s Flight Path in Ireland Trigger Security Alert 
Trump’s Name Appears on U.S. Institute of Peace Ahead of Rwanda–Congo Deal Signing 
Pentagon Probe Finds Hegseth’s Use of Signal Risked Exposing Sensitive Yemen Strike Details 
Trump Administration Tightens H-1B Visa Vetting With New Focus on Free Speech and Censorship 
Taiwan Opposition Criticizes Plan to Block Chinese App Rednote Over Security Concerns 
Georgian riot police clashed with thousands of protesters in Tbilisi on Saturday, using water cannons and pepper spray to disperse crowds near the presidential palace during the country’s municipal elections. The unrest unfolded as the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) Party declared victory in every municipality, despite a boycott by major opposition blocs.
According to Reuters, tensions escalated when demonstrators attempted to storm the presidential palace following opposition calls for a “peaceful revolution” against GD, which they accuse of being pro-Russian and authoritarian. Georgia’s Health Ministry reported that at least 21 security officers and six protesters were injured in the violent confrontations in central Tbilisi.
The demonstrations are the latest in a series of anti-government protests that have rocked Georgia since last October, when GD won a parliamentary election that opposition leaders claim was rigged. The government denies any wrongdoing. Since then, opposition groups have accused the party of abandoning Georgia’s pro-Western path and undermining democratic freedoms.
Georgia, once viewed as a model of Western-oriented reform in the post-Soviet region, has seen its ties with the European Union and the United States weaken amid growing internal political tensions and the ongoing war in Ukraine. The government’s decision to suspend EU accession talks last year further fueled public anger, drawing massive crowds waving Georgian and EU flags to Freedom Square and Rustaveli Avenue.
Protester Davit Mzhavanadze said the rallies reflected “a deep crisis formed by our pro-Russian and authoritarian government,” vowing that demonstrations would continue until officials respond to citizens’ demands. Meanwhile, GD insists it remains committed to EU membership while maintaining peaceful relations with Russia. Critics, however, argue the party—founded and influenced by billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili—has tightened control over state institutions, pushing Georgia closer to Moscow’s orbit.
