New Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, on his first overseas trip, emphasized the importance of working with “reliable allies” like France, indirectly criticizing U.S. President Trump. Speaking in Paris with French President Macron, Carney highlighted economic collaboration over confrontation. His visit aims to strengthen transatlantic ties amid U.S. tariffs on Canadian imports. Carney also hinted at Canada’s potential EU alignment, referencing a poll showing 44% of Canadians support joining the EU, despite membership being limited to European countries. Penelope Kingsley 17/03/2025 2:30 pm
The Vatican released a photo of Pope Francis in a wheelchair at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital chapel, marking the first image since his hospitalization on February 14 for bilateral pneumonia. The 88-year-old pontiff continues respiratory and motor physiotherapy and did some work on Sunday, his 31st day in the hospital. The Vatican previously shared an audio message from the pope thanking people for their prayers. The pope had no visitors on Sunday. Noah Prescott 17/03/2025 2:30 pm
Two European politicians and King Charles have shown symbolic support for Canada amid US tariff pressures and Trump’s aggressive rhetoric. Canada’s new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, seeks more than symbolic gestures during his first foreign visit to Paris and London, focusing on finance and security. Carney’s itinerary includes Iqaluit to emphasize Arctic sovereignty, crucial amid global Arctic tensions. A Canadian official stresses the need for public backing, as Trump’s comments about Canada being the “51st state” cause concern. Carney aims to strengthen economic and security ties with allies. Noah Prescott 17/03/2025 11:00 am
A fire in an overcrowded nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia, killed 59 and injured 155 during a live concert. The blaze, sparked by pyrotechnics, led to chaos as attendees, mostly young people, struggled to escape through a single exit. Authorities detained 15 people, revealing the club lacked a proper license. The government declared seven days of mourning, with 20 injured in critical condition. Videos showed the chaotic scene, and survivors described desperate escape attempts. Penelope Kingsley 17/03/2025 11:00 am
Syria experienced its deadliest violence since Bashar al-Assad’s ouster, with over 800 killed in Tartus and Latakia from March 6-10. The violence began when Assad loyalists attacked the new government’s security forces, prompting a massive response from government forces and armed groups. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that most victims were civilians and disarmed combatants, including women and children, executed by forces meant to quell the insurgency. Misinformation spread, with false claims about Christian victims, while Alawites were the actual targeted minority. Ava Sinclair 17/03/2025 11:00 am
The Houthis launched a missile and drone attack on U.S. Navy ships in the Red Sea, claiming to target the USS Harry S. Truman group. However, a U.S. official confirmed that none of the 11 drones and one ballistic missile came close to hitting any American vessels. All drones were intercepted by U.S. Air Force and Navy planes, while the missile fell short. This attack followed U.S. airstrikes against the Yemeni group. Noah Prescott 17/03/2025 11:00 am
A White House deputy communications director commented on a Truth Social post by Donald Trump mocking Joe Biden’s alleged use of an “autopen” signature, based on a report by the Oversight Project. Trump’s post, featuring images of presidential terms, was pinned to his page. Meanwhile, Minnesota Republican senators filed a bill to classify “Trump Derangement Syndrome” as a mental illness, citing symptoms like paranoia and hostility towards Trump. The bill is set for review by the Minnesota Senate Health and Human Services Committee. Penelope Kingsley 17/03/2025 11:00 am
The Pentagon’s recurring patterns are highlighted, recalling Reagan’s 1980s defense expansion with the Strategic Defense Initiative and a 600-ship Navy. Billions were spent on “Star Wars,” a missile defense system, which was abandoned in 1991, leaving a less effective 44-interceptor system today. The Navy’s fleet peaked at 594 ships in 1987, offering more value than the missile defense. President Trump later proposed a “golden dome” missile defense shield, echoing past ambitions to enhance U.S. defense capabilities. Noah Prescott 17/03/2025 11:00 am
On February 25, the Rubicon Center of Advanced Unmanned Systems, an elite Russian drone group, launched attacks on the Ukrainian supply line in Sudzha, Kursk Oblast. By March 10 or 11, Ukrainian forces evacuated Kursk, retreating to their side of the border. Despite false claims by U.S. President Donald Trump, they weren’t surrounded but were forced out after six months. The Rubicon drone group’s advanced tactics were crucial to Russia’s victory. Video evidence shows a drone conserving battery by resting near a road before attacking a Ukrainian convoy, highlighting their strategic approach. Penelope Kingsley 17/03/2025 7:30 am
Steve Witkoff, a Trump administration envoy, stated that the U.S. is exploring relocation options for Palestinians in Gaza after President Trump proposed U.S. involvement in rebuilding the region post-conflict with Israel. Trump suggested transforming Gaza into a “Riviera of the Middle East” and relocating Palestinians permanently. Despite criticism, Witkoff emphasized a U.S. proposal to Hamas, which included demilitarizing Hamas as a step towards peace. However, Hamas rejected the proposal, which Witkoff criticized, urging reconsideration for a better outcome. Noah Prescott 17/03/2025 7:30 am
