After a conservative coalition’s election win in Germany, a photo of likely future chancellor Friedrich Merz with five other white, middle-aged men highlighted a lack of diversity. The new German Parliament, with only 32% women, is less diverse than before, reflecting a stagnation in gender parity since 2013. President Frank-Walter Steinmeier emphasized the issue, stating that a democracy struggling with gender representation indicates a broader democratic problem. This contrasts with the U.S., where diversity efforts are being actively dismantled. Ava Sinclair 25/03/2025 3:00 pm
A Tokyo court ordered the dissolution of the Unification Church in Japan, following a government request linked to the investigation of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s assassination. The church plans to appeal the decision, which revokes its legal status and tax-exempt privileges. The order was based on allegations of manipulative fundraising and recruitment tactics. The church criticized the decision as a threat to religious freedom. The investigation revealed ties between the church and Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party. The church, founded in 1954, is the first religious group in Japan to face such a revocation under the civil code. Noah Prescott 25/03/2025 3:00 pm
Iwao Hakamata, a former boxer, spent over 40 years on death row in Japan for a quadruple murder he didn’t commit. Acquitted last year after DNA evidence proved police fabricated evidence, he was awarded $1.4 million in compensation, about $85 per day of wrongful conviction. His case highlighted flaws in Japan’s justice system, known for its 99% conviction rate, and sparked calls to abolish the death penalty. Despite the compensation, his lawyer stated it couldn’t atone for Hakamata’s suffering. Ava Sinclair 25/03/2025 11:30 am
Eric Schmieman spent 15 years working on a massive protective shield for Chernobyl’s Reactor No. 4, completed in 2016. This steel structure, the world’s largest movable object, was built to prevent further nuclear fallout. It involved over 45 countries and cost nearly $1.7 billion. Schmieman, a retired engineer, emphasized extensive safety analyses but noted they didn’t account for acts of war. Despite initial fire control, a waterproof membrane inside the structure burned for weeks, requiring emergency interventions to prevent corrosion. Ava Sinclair 25/03/2025 11:30 am
A Japanese court ordered the disbandment of the Unification Church, linked to Shinzo Abe’s assassination. The church, accused of coercing followers into large donations, can appeal the ruling. The decision strips its tax-exempt status but allows it to operate. Authorities found it exploited followers’ spiritual fears, interviewing nearly 200 victims. The church, known as “Moonies,” has faced controversy for its teachings and mass weddings. Since 2023, former members have sought compensation for forced donations, totaling 5.7 billion yen ($38.5m). Noah Prescott 25/03/2025 11:30 am
Ukraine accused Russia of insincerity about peace after a missile attack injured 88 people, including 17 children, in Sumy. As US and Russian officials began peace talks, Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy condemned the ongoing attacks. Ukraine’s foreign minister criticized Russia’s actions, urging an end to civilian bombings. US and Russian officials held talks in Saudi Arabia, aiming for a one-month halt on strikes on energy infrastructure. The US seeks a 30-day ceasefire to discuss a permanent one, while Trump mentioned potential agreements on Ukrainian resources and power plants. Noah Prescott 25/03/2025 11:30 am
Over a thousand people were detained during protests against Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu’s jailing, with Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya reporting 1,133 arrests linked to illegal activities and terrorist affiliations. Protests erupted after Imamoglu, a rival to President Erdogan, was detained, leading to road closures and protest bans. Erdogan blamed the opposition CHP for violence, while CHP leader Özgür Özel accused Erdogan of undermining democracy. Imamoglu, facing corruption charges, was arrested before his expected candidacy announcement for the 2028 presidential election. Critics view this as a crackdown on dissent. Penelope Kingsley 25/03/2025 4:30 am
Heathrow Airport defended its response to a fire that shut it down for nearly a day, despite claims it had enough power to remain operational. The fire at one of three substations led to over 1,300 flight cancellations, affecting 200,000 passengers and costing airlines millions. The airport resumed full operations after 18 hours. The incident raised concerns about the resilience of Britain’s energy infrastructure, prompting a government probe. Initial counterterrorism investigations found no foul play, and the focus is now on the substation’s electrical equipment. National Grid’s CEO suggested the airport had sufficient power from other sources. Penelope Kingsley 24/03/2025 9:30 pm
U.S. and Russian officials are meeting in Saudi Arabia to discuss a potential ceasefire in Ukraine, following productive talks between U.S. and Ukrainian delegations. Despite ongoing negotiations, cross-border attacks continue, with Russian airstrikes injuring civilians in Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia. The U.S., led by special envoy Steve Witkoff, aims for a fast ceasefire, while Ukraine seeks a “just and lasting peace.” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov anticipates challenging negotiations. Noah Prescott 24/03/2025 9:30 pm
A senior Hamas official, Ismail Barhoum, was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza. The IDF stated the strike targeted a key Hamas figure operating inside the hospital. The attack, which hit the surgical wing, injured many, including medical staff, and caused significant damage, leading to an evacuation. Israel claims Hamas uses hospitals for military purposes, a charge Hamas denies. The strike is part of Israel’s renewed campaign in Gaza following the end of a ceasefire. Ava Sinclair 24/03/2025 6:00 pm
