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Middle East Crisis  Houthi Rebels
Yemen’s government declares all-out war against the Houthis

Yemen’s internationally recognized government has declared all-out war to retake the country from the Houthi militia. President Rashad al-Alimi announced the move in a televised address, according to the BBC.

"Today, I announce the start of military operations to retake the republic's territory and restore state authority across the entire country," he said.

The announcement follows the Iran-backed Houthis cutting off the main road between the city of Taiz—where the fiercest fighting is raging—and Aden, the interim capital of the Saudi-backed government.

The capital, Sanaa, which has been controlled by the Houthis for over a decade, has recently been the target of extensive attacks by government forces. Sources from both sides have told AFP that around 70 people were killed on Sunday alone.

This autumn, the Houthis have seized a large part of the Red Sea coast and the vital Bab al-Mandeb Strait in a lightning offensive.

Political situation in France
Hundreds of French schools to remain closed this week

Between 400 and 500 schools will remain closed on Monday amid ongoing student protests in France, official Édouard Geffray announced, according to The Guardian.

Twenty-four schools have been "burned or looted" since the protests began in Paris last week, he added. At least 5,000 people, mostly teenagers, have been arrested. Dozens of people have been injured, including teachers and students.

The teenagers are protesting against a range of issues regarding school conditions: grueling schedules, teacher shortages, dilapidated buildings, and an unfair university admissions system. In many places, the protests have spiraled into widespread violence and vandalism.

Extreme weather in Europe
At least two dead in torrential rain in Spain – one missing

At least two people have died and one is missing following torrential rains in Catalonia, northeastern Spain, AFP reports.

One of the fatalities occurred when a wall collapsed at a campsite, while another person drowned in a flooded garage. One of the deceased is a 102-year-old woman.

The heavy rains have battered Catalonia and the central region of Castile-La Mancha over the weekend; next in line is the northern region of Girona, bordering France.

Residents in Girona have been urged to stay indoors in areas near the Ridaura and Daro rivers, which have flooded.

The problems of mass tourism
Fries-eating was the last straw in Amsterdam: "Mayonnaise on the beautiful stonework"

Residents of one of Amsterdam’s upscale neighborhoods are demanding the closure of Fabel Friet, a fast-food restaurant that has gone viral on TikTok, reports *The Guardian*. Nineteen people have taken the matter to court, arguing that customers eating fries litter the picturesque street and attract vermin.

According to the residents, the restaurant’s popular fries generate long queues from morning until night, seven days a week. “Eating on the street is shameful behavior. It leaves food messes on our steps and mayonnaise on the beautiful stonework,” says resident Thomas van Leeuwen, describing the situation as a “war.”

The case went to court earlier this week, where a lawyer argued that Amsterdam’s local authorities have the right to revoke business licenses if restaurants fail to manage their operations properly.

Fabel Friet defends itself by pointing out that it has hired a cleaning service to work seven days a week. 

Death penalty in the US
Christa Pike remains on a ventilator

Christa Pike remains unconscious and is being treated on a ventilator in the hospital, four days after the botched execution attempt. This was stated by her lawyer, according to the AP.

It may take several more days before the extent of her injuries is known, the lawyer added.

Pike, who was convicted in 1996 of murdering a classmate, survived a failed execution attempt involving the sedative pentobarbital. The cause is believed to be that her veins ruptured and the alkaline substance leaked into her body, resulting in tissue damage.

The warden of the Tennessee prison announced his resignation yesterday following the incident.