The Albany Gazette - News from Albany, New York and the whole world

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Saturday that his soldiers in Ukraine were fighting an "aggressive force" backed by all of NATO and described his war goals as "just", in a combative address to the annual Victory Day parade on Red Square.

Indonesian rescuers resumed the search Saturday for the bodies of three hikers killed in a volcanic eruption in a seismically active no-go zone, officials said.

Pro-European conservative Peter Magyar is to be sworn in as Hungary's prime minister on Saturday as he promises "regime change" after nationalist Viktor Orban's 16 years in power.

A dominant Victor Wembanyama powered the San Antonio Spurs to a 115-108 win over Minnesota and a 2-1 lead in their NBA playoff series Friday, as the red-hot New York Knicks beat Philadelphia again for a 3-0 advantage.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky agreed to uphold a three-day ceasefire announced by US President Donald Trump while Russia holds its annual Victory Day parade on Saturday, though the event was set to be scaled back over security fears.

Isolated and traumatised by drones and missiles, seafarers in the Gulf face grave mental suffering after more than two months stuck on board in the Middle East war, maritime charities warn.

A flurry of new schemes to launch Europe-based social networks faces a steep, rocky road to seduce users away from American and Asian giants in the sector.

Jalen Brunson starred again as the red-hot New York Knicks beat the Philadelphia 76ers 108-94 Friday to move within one win of the NBA Eastern Conference finals.

Adam Scott will make his 100th major start, and 99th in a row, at next week's PGA Championship, hungry to show he has more than longevity to offer.

Top-ranked defending champion Scottie Scheffler and Masters repeat winner Rory McIlroy are oddsmakers favorites for the 108th PGA Championship, which tees off Thursday at Aronimink.

US President Donald Trump fired Pam Bondi as attorney general last month, reportedly for failing to successfully prosecute several of his perceived political foes.

The demise of ultra low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines is expected to add further upward pressure to US fares, according to experts.

The 2026 World Cup will feature a trilogy of opening ceremonies, with each of the host countries -- Mexico, the United States and Canada -- getting its turn at a star-studded celebration.

Defending champion Jeeno Thitikul pounced late after gusty winds died down to fire a three-under par 69 and take a three-stroke lead in the LPGA Mizuho Americas Open on Friday.

World number two Rory McIlroy questions LIV Golf's ability to find new investors after Saudi backers pull out but said Friday the PGA Tour should be open to players wanting to return.

South Korea's Im Sung-jae fired a two-under par 69 to seize a one-stroke lead over England's Tommy Fleetwood after Friday's second round of the PGA Truist Championship.

The World Health Organization's chief is due in the Spanish island of Tenerife on Saturday to help coordinate the evacuation of passengers hit by the hantavirus, Spanish ministry sources said.

Peru's ultraconservative presidential hopeful Rafael Lopez Aliaga on Friday accused electoral authorities of a "coup," claiming, without providing proof, that they were rigging the results of April 12 elections.

Mexican authorities on Friday announced that the school year would end over a month early as the country gears up to host World Cup matches, prompting broad backlash.

Borussia Dortmund came from a goal down to beat Eintracht Frankfurt 3-2 at home on Friday, putting further pressure on visiting coach Albert Riera.

Teenage substitute Mezian Soares gave Lens a 1-0 win over Nantes in Ligue 1 on Friday to give his side direct qualification for next season's Champions League while relegating Nantes to the second tier.

Borussia Dortmund came from a goal down to beat Eintracht Frankfurt 3-2 at home on Friday, putting further pressure on visiting coach Albert Riera.

Costa Rica's new President Laura Fernandez vowed a "firm hand" against drug trafficking at her inauguration as leader of the Central American tourism hotspot.

Lionel Messi says Argentina fans are right to dream of a second straight World Cup crown, but warns other contenders, including France and Spain, "are in better shape".

Global stock markets diverged and oil prices rose Friday as fresh US-Iran clashes in the Strait of Hormuz jolted hopes for a deal to end the Middle East war and reopen the crucial waterway.

Russia and Ukraine confirmed on Friday a US-brokered truce and a large prisoner swap over May 9-11, when Moscow celebrates its World War II victory, after trading drone strikes and declaring unilateral ceasefires in the run-up.

Novak Djokovic slumped to an early elimination from the Italian Open on Friday, crumbling to a second-round defeat at the hands of qualifier Dino Prizmic which leaves question marks about his physical condition ahead of Roland Garros.

Costa Rican political scientist Laura Fernandez was sworn in as president on Friday, the latest right-winger to win power in Latin America on a promise to combat drug-related violence.

Keir Starmer vowed Friday to remain as Britain's prime minister after disastrous local elections saw his centre-left Labour party humiliated across the UK with disillusioned Britons backing hard-right and nationalist parties.

Formula One bosses have responded to the criticism of this season's power unit modifications by agreeing to "further evolutionary changes" before a revamp for the 2027 season, the FIA announced on Friday.

US President Donald Trump announced a three-day ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia starting Saturday, saying he hoped it could lead to long term deal to end Moscow's war.

Novak Djokovic was eliminated from the Italian Open in the second round on Friday by Croatian qualifier Dino Prizmic 2-6, 6-2, 6-4.