Elon Musk, the world’s wealthiest billionaire, has voiced support for Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, known for its anti-immigration stance and controversial rhetoric. Musk has promoted the party on his X account, stating that only AfD can save Germany and criticizing the country’s focus on past guilt. His support has drawn criticism from German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who condemned Musk’s backing of far-right parties as harmful to European democracy. Scholz also criticized Musk’s remarks on Germany’s historical guilt, leading to a public feud between the two. Penelope Kingsley 23/02/2025 3:30 am
A 19-year-old suspect attacked a Spanish tourist at Berlin’s Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, slashing his neck. The victim survived after emergency surgery. The suspect, found with a knife, Quran, and prayer mat, is under investigation for attempted murder. Authorities suggest the attack may be linked to Middle East tensions, with the suspect planning the attack for weeks. He legally resided in Germany since 2023 and had minor criminal offenses. Investigators are assessing his mental health and found no links to groups targeting Jews. Penelope Kingsley 23/02/2025 3:30 am
Germans are voting in a pivotal election focused on the economy and security. Conservative leader Friedrich Merz is favored to become chancellor, needing to form a coalition, likely with Olaf Scholz’s Social Democrats. Merz rules out partnering with the far-right AfD, which is gaining strength. The election is crucial for Germany’s role in Europe and military spending, especially as tensions with the US rise over Ukraine. Voter turnout is high, with many undecided. The outcome will shape Germany’s domestic and international policies. Noah Prescott 23/02/2025 3:30 am
Pope Francis is hospitalized with pneumonia and a complex respiratory infection, with doctors warning of potential sepsis. Despite responding to treatment, the 88-year-old remains in a critical state. His medical team, led by Dr. Luigi Carbone, emphasizes the fragility of his condition. Francis, who has chronic lung disease, was admitted after bronchitis worsened. He is receiving cortisone, antibiotics, and supplemental oxygen. Despite his illness, Francis initially insisted on working at the Vatican due to commitments. Noah Prescott 23/02/2025 3:30 am
In Philadelphia, Ukrainian American activists have protested against Russian symbols and ties, urging the removal of the Russian flag and ending a sister-city relationship with a Russian town. President Trump’s pro-Russia stance, blaming Ukraine for the war initiated by Russia in 2022, has shocked the local Ukrainian community. Activists like Mary Kalyna express deep disappointment and are organizing rallies to support Ukraine. The region, a major resettlement area for Ukrainian refugees, continues to aid Ukraine with supplies and support. Ava Sinclair 23/02/2025 12:00 am
The remains of Shiri Bibas, initially misidentified, were returned to Israel, confirmed by her family. Her two children’s bodies were also returned, all victims of a Hamas-led attack. Shiri, her husband, and children were abducted from Israel to Gaza. Her husband survived. The Palestinian Mujahedeen Brigades handed over Shiri’s remains to the Red Cross. Israeli authorities confirmed the children were brutally murdered. The return was part of a ceasefire agreement, but details of their deaths remain unclear. Noah Prescott 23/02/2025 12:00 am
France is set to hold its largest child sex abuse trial, with former surgeon Joël Le Scouarnec accused of abusing 299 individuals, mostly children. His detailed notebooks document decades of abuse. The trial, starting in Vannes, aims to empower victims and challenge societal taboos. Le Scouarnec, 74, faces up to 20 years in prison. The case began in 2017 after a neighbor’s complaint led to the discovery of incriminating evidence. Activists hope the trial will shift shame from victims to perpetrators and improve justice for survivors. Noah Prescott 22/02/2025 8:30 pm
A 19-year-old Syrian refugee was arrested for a stabbing at Berlin’s Holocaust Memorial, injuring a Spanish tourist. The suspect, who arrived in Germany in 2023 and applied for asylum, allegedly intended to kill Jews, influenced by Middle East conflicts. The victim, attacked in the neck, underwent emergency surgery and is now stable. The suspect, found with a knife, Quran, and prayer mat, is under investigation for attempted murder. The attack occurred amid heightened migration debates in Germany. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser condemned the crime and emphasized deporting violent offenders. Penelope Kingsley 22/02/2025 8:30 pm
As Ukraine neared the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion, U.S. President Trump’s call with Putin signaled a shift in U.S. policy, alarming Kyiv and European allies. Trump and Putin agreed to negotiate ending the war, excluding Ukraine, which President Zelenskyy deemed dangerous. U.S. Defense Secretary Hegseth suggested NATO membership for Ukraine was unrealistic, aligning with Moscow’s stance. Ava Sinclair 22/02/2025 8:30 pm
Hamas released six hostages in Gaza, including four kidnapped during the October 2023 attack on Israel and two held for years. In exchange, 602 Palestinian prisoners will be freed, including 50 serving life sentences. This marks the end of the first phase of a ceasefire deal, with more hostages expected to be released in the next phase starting March 1. The bodies of four more hostages will be returned to Israel next week. Currently, 59 hostages remain, with about half believed to be alive. Ava Sinclair 22/02/2025 8:30 pm
