President Trump announced a “decisive” military action against Houthi rebels in Yemen, deploying “overwhelming lethal force” to protect American shipping and restore navigational freedom. The US is conducting aerial attacks on Houthi bases and missile defenses. This campaign aims to counter the group’s piracy and terrorism in the Red Sea. The plan, approved last week, involves sustained strikes, with further actions depending on damage assessments. The US has been gathering intelligence for broader strikes, responding to Houthi disruptions of international shipping lanes, linked to Israel’s conflict with Hamas. Penelope Kingsley 16/03/2025 12:00 am
Pope Francis, despite recent hospitalization, has approved a three-year reform process for the Catholic Church, signaling his intent to continue his papacy. The reforms focus on increasing women’s roles, including potential ordination as deacons, and enhancing laity involvement in governance. The Synod of Bishops has been central to these reforms, with recent assemblies including female voting members. The process will culminate in an “ecclesial assembly” in 2028, potentially overlapping with a papal conclave. This move addresses resistance from some church leaders and encourages local churches to engage in the synodal path. Noah Prescott 15/03/2025 8:30 pm
Israeli forces killed at least nine Palestinians in Gaza on Saturday, amid ongoing strikes despite a truce with Hamas. Israel claims the strikes target militants threatening its forces, while Hamas accuses Israel of violating the cease-fire, reporting over 150 deaths since it began. The latest strike targeted individuals allegedly operating a threatening drone, but Gaza officials claim the victims were charity workers. The identities of those killed remain unverified. Ava Sinclair 15/03/2025 8:30 pm
Tens of thousands protested in Belgrade against the deaths of 15 people in a railway station collapse, with government estimates of 107,000 attendees. The disaster, blamed on corruption and negligence, has fueled anger towards President Aleksandar Vucic and his Progressive Party. Despite resignations, protests grow, demanding effective governance and justice. Demonstrators gathered at Republic Square and other key locations, expressing frustration over the lack of accountability and efficient institutions. Penelope Kingsley 15/03/2025 8:30 pm
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin’s response to a US-proposed ceasefire in Ukraine as inadequate. During a virtual summit with Western allies, Starmer emphasized the need for collective pressure on Russia to negotiate peace. The meeting, involving 25 countries and Ukraine’s President Zelensky, aimed to support Ukraine and counter Russia’s advances. Starmer announced plans for allied militaries to meet in the UK to prepare for a potential ceasefire. He stressed the importance of continued military aid to Ukraine and economic restrictions on Russia to weaken its war efforts. Penelope Kingsley 15/03/2025 5:00 pm
Tens of thousands rallied in Belgrade against President Aleksandar Vucic, marking the peak of months-long protests. Demonstrators, led by students, protested government corruption following a deadly train station collapse. Vucic warned of unrest and threatened arrests. Protesters chanted slogans and carried banners, challenging Vucic’s authority. The rally is the largest anti-government protest in Serbia, with 13 people detained, including six opposition activists accused of plotting a coup. Penelope Kingsley 15/03/2025 5:00 pm
On March 13, U.S. Central Command and Iraqi forces conducted a precision airstrike in Al Anbar Province, Iraq, killing ISIS’s #2 leader, Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, aka “Abu Khadijah,” and another operative. Abu Khadijah, responsible for ISIS’s global operations and finance, was identified through DNA. Both operatives wore unexploded suicide vests. Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla emphasized the ongoing commitment to dismantling terrorist organizations threatening the U.S. and allies. Ava Sinclair 15/03/2025 5:00 pm
American influencer Sam Jones apologized after posting a video of her taking a baby wombat from its mother in Australia, claiming concern for its safety. Authorities threatened her with deportation, and she left the country voluntarily. Jones, also known as Samantha Strable, explained she feared the mother might attack and wanted to ensure the wombats’ safety on the road. Australian officials criticized her actions, and it’s unlikely she will apply for an Australian visa again. The incident involved a common wombat, a protected species in Australia. Penelope Kingsley 15/03/2025 5:00 pm
The Russian army has regained control of towns in Russia’s Kursk region, previously held by Ukrainian forces. Ukraine’s military commander, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, stated that fighting continues, but emphasized preserving soldiers’ lives, allowing for strategic withdrawals. Ruslan Leviev, a Russian opposition activist, noted the withdrawal aims to save lives and isn’t linked to Kyiv-Washington negotiations. The retreat was anticipated since December due to Russian attacks limiting Ukraine’s supply and evacuation capabilities. Penelope Kingsley 15/03/2025 5:00 pm
Ukrainian troops are resisting Russian and North Korean forces in Russia’s Kursk region, while facing a potential attack on Ukraine’s Sumy region, President Zelenskiy stated. Despite claims, Ukrainian forces are not encircled in Kursk, but Russia is amassing troops nearby. Zelenskiy emphasized the need for international awareness of Putin’s plans. Meanwhile, Putin conditionally supports a 30-day ceasefire, but fighting continues. British PM Starmer urged increased pressure on Putin for a ceasefire. Ukraine’s battlefield situation near Pokrovsk has stabilized, and it successfully used a new long-range missile. Noah Prescott 15/03/2025 1:30 pm
