China has executed four Canadians for drug-related offenses, escalating tensions with Canada. Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly condemned the executions and vowed to seek clemency for others. The Chinese Embassy defended its strict drug penalties. The executions, reported by The Globe and Mail, occurred earlier this year. Joly and former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had previously requested leniency from Beijing. The individuals were dual nationals, though China does not recognize dual citizenship. Penelope Kingsley 20/03/2025 5:30 am
Turkey’s opposition CHP remains defiant after Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a key rival to President Erdogan, was detained on terrorism and corruption charges. CHP leader Ozgur Ozel rallied support, calling Imamoglu “Turkey’s future president.” Imamoglu’s arrest, linked to alleged corruption and PKK ties, sparked protests despite a demonstration ban. The detentions occurred before CHP’s primary, where Imamoglu was expected to be a presidential candidate, causing widespread opposition outcry. His wife, Dilek, urged resistance, warning that democracy is at risk. Penelope Kingsley 20/03/2025 5:30 am
Israel’s renewed offensive on Gaza has resulted in at least 436 Palestinian deaths, with nearly 42% being children, according to local health officials. Israel claims to target Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, but the high child casualty rate has sparked widespread mourning on social media. Human rights worker Ramy Abdu, who lost family members, including his niece Siwar Jamassi, vows that justice will prevail. Abdu’s niece Layan, a young teacher, was also killed. Gaming streamer Swiftor shared the loss of his nine-month-old cousin and family in the attacks. Noah Prescott 20/03/2025 2:00 am
The UN is investigating an incident at its compound in Gaza, where an explosive ordnance detonated, despite the area being “deconflicted” and known to the Israeli Defense Forces. UNOPS chief Jorge Moreira da Silva emphasized that this was not an accident and highlighted the breach of international law, stressing the need to protect UN personnel and premises. The incident follows previous strikes and near misses. The priority is evacuating injured staff as investigations continue. The Israeli military denies attacking the compound amid ongoing strikes in Gaza. Ava Sinclair 19/03/2025 10:30 pm
For eight years, Ntombi supported HIV-positive children and their caregivers in Johannesburg, ensuring medication adherence and providing essential support. Suddenly, her work halted due to a U.S. HIV/AIDS program review under the Trump administration. Without a chance to transition her patients, Ntombi’s absence left a void, causing long queues at the clinic and some caregivers to stop appointments. Ntombi is deeply pained by the disruption and the impact on her former patients, who now lack familiar, dedicated care. Noah Prescott 19/03/2025 10:30 pm
The EU’s new defense spending plan, Readiness 2030, excludes U.S. and UK arms-makers, focusing on strengthening Europe’s defense industry. The program, involving countries like South Korea and Japan, could allocate up to €800 billion for defense. EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius emphasized the need to address global threats beyond Russia. Historically, two-thirds of EU defense orders went to U.S. companies. The EU aims to boost military spending and integrate its defense market, with the main goal of preparing for potential threats and maintaining peace in Europe. Penelope Kingsley 19/03/2025 7:00 pm
Israel’s strikes on Gaza will persist until all hostages are freed, an Israeli official told ABC News. Renewed attacks have killed at least 436, including over 130 children, and injured 678, according to Palestinian health officials. The offensive, described as a “different form of negotiating,” may expand beyond air strikes. Israel remains open to mediated talks if Hamas agrees to further swaps. The IDF denied striking a UN compound after a UN staffer was killed. The campaign ends a ceasefire that began in January. Ava Sinclair 19/03/2025 7:00 pm
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis suggested Congress could strip federal courts of jurisdiction to counteract judges blocking President Trump’s agenda. DeSantis proposed attaching such measures to “must pass” bills to overcome Senate hurdles. This idea emerged in response to U.S. Rep. Chip Roy’s tweet about defunding radical courts and declaring an invasion. DeSantis, who initially sought the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, later supported Trump. Meanwhile, Trump called for a judge’s impeachment, highlighting tensions over judicial decisions affecting his policies. Noah Prescott 19/03/2025 7:00 pm
The blobfish, once deemed the world’s ugliest animal, was named Fish of the Year by New Zealand’s Mountain to Sea Conservation Trust. The competition highlights marine life, and the blobfish won with nearly 1,300 votes out of 5,500. Known for its gelatinous appearance when brought to the surface, it resembles a regular fish in its deep-sea habitat. The blobfish’s victory was aided by a local radio campaign, surpassing the orange roughy, another deep-sea contender. Penelope Kingsley 19/03/2025 7:00 pm
Hungary has banned LGBTQ+ Pride marches, citing alleged harm to children, in a law fast-tracked by the ruling Fidesz party. Prime Minister Viktor Orban supports the measure, part of ongoing government actions against the LGBTQ+ community. The law follows previous restrictions, including banning the depiction of homosexuality to minors. Violators face fines, and police can use facial recognition to identify them. The move has sparked domestic and international outrage, with human rights groups condemning it as discriminatory. Ava Sinclair 19/03/2025 7:00 pm
