Australia’s federal police are investigating potential overseas funding for antisemitic crimes, including a recent arson at a Sydney childcare center. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese convened a cabinet meeting, resulting in plans for a national database to track such incidents. The federal police taskforce has received over 166 reports since December. Commissioner Reece Kershaw mentioned possible cryptocurrency involvement and online radicalization of youth. A Sydney man was recently charged for alleged death threats. The Jewish Council of Australia condemned the incidents, emphasizing the need for education and dialogue. Noah Prescott 21/01/2025 5:30 pm
The Israeli military launched a major assault on Jenin in the northern West Bank, killing at least seven Palestinians and wounding 35. The operation, involving bombings and a ground assault, is expected to last several days. Palestinian Authority forces withdrew as the offensive began. Israeli forces besieged hospitals, and clashes erupted with Palestinian fighters. Ambulances struggled to reach the wounded due to the intense assault. Local reports indicate casualties in multiple areas, with medical personnel among the injured. The situation is described as extremely dire. Ava Sinclair 21/01/2025 5:30 pm
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol attended his impeachment trial, denying he ordered military action against lawmakers during his martial law attempt. Yoon, a former prosecutor, emphasized his commitment to democracy and pledged cooperation with the court. He is also under investigation for insurrection. His lawyers argued the martial law declaration was a warning against opposition abuses, not intended for execution. The opposition and some of Yoon’s party members voted to impeach him, leading to the Constitutional Court trial. Ava Sinclair 21/01/2025 5:30 pm
Two men, Christian Rad and Vasile Ostas, admitted in court to the 2003 murder of Frenchman Philippe Charuel after over two decades on the run. Charuel’s body was found in a ditch in Gondreville, France. The men, involved in pimping, were arrested in Spain in 2023 after living under false identities. Both had been sentenced in absentia in 2011. Ostas expressed remorse, while Rad also admitted to the crime. Penelope Kingsley 21/01/2025 2:00 pm
A fire at a ski resort hotel in Kartalkaya, Turkey, killed at least 66 people and injured 51. The blaze forced guests to jump from windows to escape. The 12-story hotel, built on a rock face, complicated firefighting efforts. Eyewitnesses reported delayed emergency response and lack of fire extinguishers. The incident occurred during school holidays, with 234 guests staying at the hotel. Ava Sinclair 21/01/2025 2:00 pm
European business leaders expressed mixed reactions to Donald Trump’s first day in office. Some were optimistic about reduced regulation and increased market activity, while others were cautious. Trump signed executive orders withdrawing the U.S. from the WHO and the Paris Agreement, scaling back diversity programs, and pardoning Jan. 6 rioters. Richard Edelman saw potential for business growth but emphasized balancing stakeholder interests. Steven van Rijswijk viewed Trump’s actions as a wake-up call for Europe to focus on competitiveness, labor productivity, and investment in AI and capital markets. Penelope Kingsley 21/01/2025 2:00 pm
Colombia has declared “war” on leftwing guerrillas amid escalating violence that has killed over 100 people and displaced 11,000. President Gustavo Petro, previously focused on negotiations, now adopts a tougher stance against the National Liberation Army (ELN), responsible for deadly attacks. In response, 5,000 troops were deployed to the border area. The violence, involving ELN and Farc splinter groups, has forced residents to flee, with many seeking refuge in Tibú or crossing into Venezuela. The defense ministry reported further clashes in the Amazon, with 20 killed in Guaviare. Noah Prescott 21/01/2025 7:00 am
Far-right protesters stormed Seoul’s western district court, supporting impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, echoing the US Capitol riot. Armed with fire extinguishers and steel pipes, they caused £400,000 in damage. About 25 court workers hid on the rooftop, while 51 police officers were injured. The unrest follows Yoon’s martial law declaration, with tensions between democracy and anarchy. Pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon fueled protests, and Yoon praised demonstrators. The pro-Yoon camp mirrors US tactics, claiming election fraud and using “stop the steal” rhetoric. Ava Sinclair 21/01/2025 7:00 am
Axel Rudakubana, 17, pleaded guilty to three counts of murder and 10 counts of attempted murder after a stabbing at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport, England. He also admitted to possessing terrorist material and producing ricin. Rudakubana will serve a life sentence. The attack killed three children and injured 10 others. Taylor Swift expressed shock and sympathy for the victims and their families on Instagram. Penelope Kingsley 21/01/2025 7:00 am
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will address the public inquiry into the Southport attack, where Axel Rudakubana, 18, admitted to murdering three young girls and other charges. Starmer criticized the state’s failure to protect the victims. Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper highlighted unanswered questions and agency failures. Rudakubana, known to authorities, had been referred to the Prevent programme. A public inquiry and Prevent Learning Review are underway to address these issues and implement reforms. Penelope Kingsley 21/01/2025 3:30 am
