Heard Island and McDonald Islands, uninhabited Australian territories near Antarctica, were unexpectedly included in a U.S. tariff list, facing a 10% tariff despite having no exports. Other Australian territories like Norfolk Island, with a small population and minimal exports, also faced tariffs, highlighting the broad reach of the trade measures. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remarked on the surprising inclusion, emphasizing that “nowhere on earth is safe” from these tariffs, which even affected territories with no significant trade activities.

Ava Sinclair 03/04/2025 5:30 am

NATO allies are preparing for a shift in defense responsibilities to keep the US engaged in the alliance. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is urging Europeans to increase their defense spending and take more responsibility for Europe’s defense. Meanwhile, European diplomats emphasize the importance of US support and caution against the US reducing its troop presence in Europe. Allies are concerned about potential US troop reductions and stress the need for clear communication. Despite tensions, NATO members view US commitment as crucial for deterrence, especially as the US focuses on the Indo-Pacific region.

Noah Prescott 03/04/2025 5:30 am

South Korea’s constitutional court in Seoul is at the center of a political crisis as it decides on President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment after he imposed martial law. The court’s decision will significantly impact the country’s future. Extensive security measures, including a “vacuum state,” police mobilization, and closures of nearby facilities, are in place to prevent unrest. The outcome will either mark Yoon’s political comeback or add him to the list of disgraced leaders.

Noah Prescott 03/04/2025 5:30 am

India’s parliament passed a controversial bill amending laws on Muslim land endowments, allowing non-Muslims on waqf boards and increasing government oversight. The government claims it will combat corruption and promote diversity, but critics argue it undermines Muslim rights and could lead to property confiscation. The bill faced strong opposition, deemed unconstitutional and discriminatory, but passed with support from Modi’s allies. It now awaits approval from the Upper House and the President. Waqfs are Islamic charitable foundations managing significant land assets in India.

Noah Prescott 03/04/2025 5:30 am

The UK’s Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) has launched an appeal to aid those affected by Myanmar’s recent earthquake, which has killed over 2,800 and injured 4,500. Comprising 15 UK aid agencies, including the British Red Cross and Oxfam, the DEC seeks donations before the monsoon season. The UK government will match public donations up to £5m. Myanmar, already in crisis due to civil war, faces urgent needs for shelter, medicine, and food. A temporary ceasefire has been declared to facilitate relief efforts, though aid workers face ongoing risks.

Noah Prescott 03/04/2025 5:30 am

Donald Trump is imposing new tariffs on various countries, including a surprising 17% on U.S. ally Israel, while exempting Russia. The tariffs range from 10% to 50%, affecting goods from China, the EU, Lesotho, and Cambodia. Trump claims these are “reciprocal tariffs,” but the numbers don’t align with actual foreign tariffs. Instead, they seem based on trade deficits, a metric criticized as “extraordinary nonsense.” Oddly, Trump also imposed tariffs on uninhabited territories like Heard and McDonald Islands, inhabited only by wildlife.

Penelope Kingsley 03/04/2025 2:00 am

Marine Le Pen’s ban from the 2027 presidential election has sparked outrage among France’s far right, who view it as a political injustice. Le Pen and her allies claim the justice system is politically motivated, likening her situation to that of Alexei Navalny. While some politicians express concern over the ruling’s impact, others emphasize the need for separation between politics and the judiciary. An early poll shows only 31% of the public sees the ban as unjust, less than the 37% who previously considered voting for her.

Noah Prescott 03/04/2025 2:00 am

Political tensions in Turkey have intensified following the arrest of Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu, a key challenger to President Erdoğan. Mass protests erupted, and opposition leader Özgür Özel called for a 24-hour economic boycott, urging citizens to halt purchases and shut down businesses. İmamoğlu supported the boycott from detention. The public prosecutor’s office plans to investigate the boycott call, citing “divisive rhetoric.” The arrest and protests have worsened Turkey’s economic instability, causing a significant drop in currency and stock market value, despite recent economic reforms.

Penelope Kingsley 02/04/2025 10:30 pm

Israel’s month-long blockade of Gaza has led to severe shortages, closing UN-supported bakeries and leaving markets empty of fresh produce. Hospitals are rationing essential medicines. The blockade, the longest in Israel’s 18-month conflict with Hamas, coincided with Eid al-Fitr, leaving many Gazans hungry. Um Ali Hamad, a displaced woman, described the dire situation, struggling to find basic food and supplies for her family. Israel imposed the ban on goods due to Hamas’s refusal to extend a ceasefire and release more hostages, while Hamas demands a full end to the war.

Noah Prescott 02/04/2025 10:30 pm

A Gaza family admitted to killing a Hamas police officer, claiming retaliation for a relative’s death, highlighting growing dissent against Hamas. This follows recent protests in northern Gaza, where residents chanted against Hamas amid anger over Israeli military actions. The incident, captured on video, went viral, showing the officer’s killing. Hamas warned against actions undermining public order and vowed justice. Another family in Gaza City also accused Hamas police of killing a relative, promising revenge. These events underscore increasing civilian criticism and unrest in Gaza.

Ava Sinclair 02/04/2025 10:30 pm