The Russian army has regained control of towns in Russia’s Kursk region, previously held by Ukrainian forces. Ukraine’s military commander, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, stated that fighting continues, but emphasized preserving soldiers’ lives, allowing for strategic withdrawals. Ruslan Leviev, a Russian opposition activist, noted the withdrawal aims to save lives and isn’t linked to Kyiv-Washington negotiations. The retreat was anticipated since December due to Russian attacks limiting Ukraine’s supply and evacuation capabilities. Penelope Kingsley 15/03/2025 5:00 pm
Ukrainian troops are resisting Russian and North Korean forces in Russia’s Kursk region, while facing a potential attack on Ukraine’s Sumy region, President Zelenskiy stated. Despite claims, Ukrainian forces are not encircled in Kursk, but Russia is amassing troops nearby. Zelenskiy emphasized the need for international awareness of Putin’s plans. Meanwhile, Putin conditionally supports a 30-day ceasefire, but fighting continues. British PM Starmer urged increased pressure on Putin for a ceasefire. Ukraine’s battlefield situation near Pokrovsk has stabilized, and it successfully used a new long-range missile. Noah Prescott 15/03/2025 1:30 pm
Cuba’s national electrical grid collapsed after a substation failure, marking the fourth nationwide blackout in five months. The outage affected western Cuba, including Havana, leaving much of the country without power. Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz stated efforts are underway to restore electricity. Reports indicate widespread outages, with only a few tourist hotels using generators. Human rights activist Elsa Morejon shared images of a darkened Havana, highlighting the blackout’s impact. Noah Prescott 15/03/2025 1:30 pm
The Trump administration is considering new travel restrictions for citizens from 41 countries, divided into three groups. The first group, including Afghanistan and North Korea, faces full visa suspensions. The second group, with countries like Eritrea and Haiti, would see partial suspensions affecting tourist and student visas. The third group, including Belarus and Pakistan, risks partial suspensions if they don’t address certain deficiencies within 60 days. Changes to the list are possible, and it awaits approval from officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Ava Sinclair 15/03/2025 1:30 pm
Outside Zadna Bakery in Gaza, chaos loomed as people queued for bread amid shortages of essentials like bread, water, and cooking gas during Ramadan. Scalpers sold bread at triple the price. The situation worsened after Israel blocked aid on March 2 to pressure Hamas, leading to panic buying and price gouging. The blockade followed a cease-fire that had briefly improved supply access. Now, with aid cut off, prices soar, and residents rely on canned food due to fresh produce shortages. Noah Prescott 15/03/2025 1:30 pm
American influencer Sam Jones apologized after posting a video of herself taking a baby wombat from its mother in Australia, claiming she acted out of concern for the animal’s safety. Australian authorities considered deporting her, but she left voluntarily. Jones, also known as Samantha Strable, explained she feared the mother might attack and was worried the joey was sick or injured. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the video “an outrage,” and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said Jones likely won’t apply for an Australian visa again. Noah Prescott 15/03/2025 1:30 pm
The captain of the cargo ship Solong, Vladimir Motin, appeared in court charged with gross negligence manslaughter after a collision with the tanker Stena Immaculate in the North Sea resulted in the presumed death of crew member Mark Angelo Pernia. The crash occurred off East Yorkshire, and Motin was arrested shortly after. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch is investigating the incident. The Stena Immaculate, carrying aviation fuel, remains anchored, with no pollution concerns reported. All 23 American crew members are safe and in Grimsby. Ava Sinclair 15/03/2025 1:30 pm
Thousands of protesters, mainly students, gathered in Belgrade ahead of major anti-government rallies. President Aleksandar Vucic urged police restraint but warned troublemakers would be arrested. The protests, expected to be the largest in decades, were sparked by a deadly railway station collapse in Novi Sad, blamed on government corruption. Students and supporters, including bikers and drivers, showed solidarity as they entered the city, with some traveling long distances on foot or by bike. Ava Sinclair 15/03/2025 10:00 am
The Trump administration is considering new travel restrictions for citizens of 41 countries, divided into three groups. The first group, including Afghanistan and North Korea, faces full visa suspensions. The second group, with countries like Eritrea and Haiti, would see partial suspensions affecting tourist and student visas. The third group, including Belarus and Pakistan, risks partial suspensions if they don’t address deficiencies within 60 days. The list is not yet finalized and requires approval. This move echoes Trump’s previous travel bans on majority-Muslim nations. Noah Prescott 15/03/2025 10:00 am
Hamas offered to release American-Israeli soldier Edan Alexander if Israel advances to the next phase of ceasefire talks, aiming for a permanent war end. Israel dismissed this as “psychological warfare,” preferring to extend the current temporary ceasefire. Hamas insists on progressing to the second phase for further hostage releases. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office criticized the offer, and discussions are ongoing. The ceasefire’s first phase expired on March 2, leading to a blockade of Gaza. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff prioritizes Alexander’s release. Ava Sinclair 15/03/2025 6:30 am
