German lawmakers approved a significant increase in defense and infrastructure spending, marking a major shift for Germany and potentially reshaping European defense. The Bundestag’s two-thirds majority vote allows defense spending to bypass strict debt rules, creating a €500bn infrastructure fund. This move, amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and uncertain US NATO commitments, awaits Bundesrat approval. Friedrich Merz, likely Germany’s next chancellor, emphasized the need for a new European defense community, including non-EU countries, citing recent geopolitical tensions. Noah Prescott 19/03/2025 8:30 am
Turkish police arrested Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, a key opposition leader, amid corruption and terror link investigations, escalating the crackdown on dissent. Prosecutors issued warrants for Imamoglu and about 100 others, including his aide, Murat Ongun. Authorities closed roads and banned demonstrations to prevent protests. Critics argue the crackdown follows Erdogan’s party’s local election losses and growing calls for early national elections. Imamoglu’s university diploma was invalidated, disqualifying him from future presidential races. The CHP’s primary, where Imamoglu was expected to be a candidate, is now uncertain. Noah Prescott 19/03/2025 8:30 am
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty is suing Kari Lake and the Trump administration for defunding efforts, claiming a $7.5 million payment was withheld, undermining Congress’s authority. The lawsuit, filed in Washington D.C., argues that disbursing funds as per appropriations laws is mandatory. The organization, primarily funded by government grants, warns that without resumed funding, layoffs will occur, affecting news coverage in 23 countries. RFE/RL President Stephen Capus emphasized the importance of countering adversaries’ propaganda and expressed confidence in legal support. Ava Sinclair 19/03/2025 5:00 am
Mexico City’s congress voted to ban traditional bullfights, replacing them with bloodless events, following a lengthy legal battle. Animal rights activists welcomed the change, though it wasn’t a complete ban. Bulls will no longer be killed or harmed, and events will be limited to 15 minutes. The initiative, modified by Mexico City’s head Clara Brugada, aims to retain economic benefits while promoting animal welfare. Brugada emphasized evolving cultural practices to prioritize animal rights. Noah Prescott 19/03/2025 5:00 am
German lawmakers approved a significant spending plan allowing up to $1 trillion in defense and infrastructure investments over the next decade. This move amends the constitution to ease debt limits, driven by concerns over U.S. reliability under Trump and Russian threats. The U.S. suspension of Ukraine aid prompted Germany to reconsider its fiscal constraints. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the need for credible deterrence within five years. The plan exempts defense spending above 1% of GDP from Germany’s debt brake, highlighting the seriousness of current challenges. Ava Sinclair 19/03/2025 1:30 am
Istanbul University annulled Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu’s diploma, citing irregularities, potentially affecting his 2028 presidential bid. The university claims Imamoglu and others transferred irregularly to its program in 1990, leading to degree cancellations. Imamoglu called the decision unlawful and vowed to contest it in court. Critics argue the move undermines democracy and targets a political rival. The annulment could hinder Imamoglu’s challenge against President Erdogan, as Turkish law requires presidential candidates to hold a higher education degree. Imamoglu faces multiple investigations and a prior conviction, which he is appealing. Ava Sinclair 19/03/2025 1:30 am
Hungary’s parliament, led by Viktor Orbán’s rightwing party, passed a law banning Pride events and allowing facial recognition to identify and fine attendees, citing “child protection” laws. Amnesty International condemned it as a discriminatory attack on LGBTQ+ rights, violating EU values of non-discrimination and freedom of expression. The law, passed 136-27, is seen as targeting LGBTQ+ people and restricting peaceful protests. Budapest Pride organizers criticized it as fascism, aiming to scapegoat the LGBTQ+ community and silence government critics. Noah Prescott 19/03/2025 1:30 am
U.S. President Donald Trump is intensifying military actions in Yemen against the Iran-backed Houthis, amid ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. U.S. forces have launched precision strikes targeting Houthi positions, reportedly killing over 50 people, including leaders and children. The operation aims to address threats to regional peace and global commerce, though the specific goals under Trump’s leadership remain unclear. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich stated the operation has a strategic design and will continue until the president’s objectives are met. Noah Prescott 19/03/2025 1:30 am
Israel launched extensive airstrikes on Gaza, killing over 400 people and ending a two-month ceasefire. The strikes targeted Hamas after failed negotiations to release remaining Israeli hostages. Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasized military action as necessary for hostage release, amid political pressure from his coalition. The ceasefire had briefly allowed displaced Palestinians to return home and receive aid. However, Israel recently blocked supplies to Gaza, raising prices and drawing criticism from aid agencies for collective punishment. Ava Sinclair 18/03/2025 10:00 pm
Roula Pispirigou, already serving a life sentence for murdering her 9-year-old daughter, received two additional life terms for killing her other children, Malena and Irida. The Athens court found she suffocated them in 2019 and 2021 to prevent her husband from leaving. Despite her insistence on innocence and plans to appeal, the court unanimously found her guilty. The case, which captivated Greece, led to a reassessment of the children’s deaths after her initial conviction. Prosecutor Vassiliki Dimopoulou argued Pispirigou acted methodically to maintain her marriage. Penelope Kingsley 18/03/2025 10:00 pm
