Australia’s healthcare crisis is centered on GP funding, with government rebates failing to cover rising care costs. Staff shortages and high fees are worsening access, with only a fifth of GP clinics offering free appointments to new patients. The crumbling universal healthcare system, once a national treasure, is a key election issue. Inadequate funding and worker shortages are causing delays and high costs, prompting Australians to question the future of universal healthcare. Meanwhile, the Kooyong seat is a focal point in elections, with the Liberals aiming to reclaim it amidst controversial events. Penelope Kingsley 03/05/2025 10:00 am
Brazil’s Social Security Minister, Carlos Lupi, resigned following a $1.1bn pension fraud scandal. Federal police allege unauthorized deductions from pensioners’ payments over a decade, benefiting corrupt officials. Lupi denied wrongdoing, initiated an investigation, and emphasized his name wasn’t mentioned in probes. Operation No Discount involved 700 agents, 211 search warrants, and asset seizures worth $177m. The scheme targeted poor areas, registering pensioners in associations without consent. The INSS head resigned, and six officials were removed. Investigators focus on 6bn real diverted between 2019-2024. Noah Prescott 03/05/2025 10:00 am
The State Department has designated Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists. These Haitian gangs are major sources of violence and instability, threatening U.S. national security. They aim to create a gang-controlled state in Haiti. The designations aim to curb support for their activities, warning that transactions with these groups risk counterterrorism sanctions. Individuals and entities aiding them may face criminal charges and removal from the U.S. Noah Prescott 03/05/2025 6:30 am
Israeli airstrikes targeted sites in Damascus, Deraa, and Hama, killing at least one civilian and injuring four. The strikes followed Israeli warnings to protect Syria’s Druze minority amid clashes near Damascus. Israel’s leadership stated the attacks aimed to deter Syria’s new regime from threatening the Druze. Syria condemned the strikes as a “dangerous escalation.” The UN’s Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro criticized the attacks as violating international law. Israel confirmed targeting near the presidential palace, emphasizing its commitment to Druze protection, despite Druze leaders’ rebuff. Ava Sinclair 03/05/2025 6:30 am
Cardinal Gregorio Rosa Chávez predicts a short conclave to select Pope Francis’s successor, aiming for a “Francis 2” to continue his progressive legacy. Despite not voting, Chávez is closely involved and believes there’s consensus on the needed papal vision. Vatican firemen are preparing the Sistine Chapel for the conclave. Francis’s tenure was marked by controversial yet open beliefs, like atheists being able to go to heaven, signaling a potential continuation of left-leaning policies in the Vatican. Ava Sinclair 03/05/2025 6:30 am
Prince Harry seeks reconciliation with his family, but King Charles III won’t speak to him due to a security dispute. Harry, who moved to the U.S. in 2020, lost a legal battle to restore full police protection in the UK. Despite expressing a desire to reconcile, Buckingham Palace stated that the security issues have been thoroughly examined by the courts. The Court of Appeal upheld the decision denying Harry automatic police protection, citing no legal grounds for his grievance. Ava Sinclair 03/05/2025 3:00 am
Andy Le, the sole survivor of his family after a deadly attack at a Vancouver festival, is donating half of his GoFundMe proceeds to other victims. The fundraiser raised over $500,000 CAD, and Andy plans to donate $266,000 CAD. His family members, including his 5-year-old sister Katie, were killed in the attack. The suspect, Kai-Ji Adam Lo, charged with eight counts of second-degree murder, has a history of mental illness. Andy survived by staying home to finish homework. Noah Prescott 02/05/2025 11:30 pm
The conclave to elect Pope Francis’ successor will start on May 7, with over 130 cardinal electors, the largest and most geographically diverse group ever. Pope Francis appointed many of these electors, including from countries with small Catholic populations like Pakistan and Mongolia. He elevated cardinals from 72 nations, including first-time countries like Haiti and South Sudan. While the Church isn’t a representative democracy, the number of Catholics per cardinal varies significantly, with Brazil having one cardinal per 15 million Catholics, compared to Iran’s one cardinal for 13,600 Catholics. Ava Sinclair 02/05/2025 11:30 pm
A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck off the southern coasts of Chile and Argentina, leading to evacuations in Chile’s Magallanes region and suspension of activities in Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego. No damage or casualties were reported. The quake’s epicenter was 219 km south of Ushuaia, Argentina. Chile issued a tsunami alert, urging coastal evacuations. President Gabriel Boric emphasized preparedness. In Punta Arenas, residents calmly evacuated. The Chilean Navy warned of potential waves reaching Antarctica soon. Ava Sinclair 02/05/2025 11:30 pm
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized Germany for labeling the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) as extremist, calling it “tyranny in disguise.” This classification allows increased surveillance of the party. Rubio, supported by Vice President JD Vance, argued that the move undermines democracy. The German Foreign Office defended the decision, citing it as a protective measure for the Constitution and rule of law. The AfD has faced criticism for its extremist rhetoric, and its politician Björn Höcke was convicted for using Nazi slogans. Ava Sinclair 02/05/2025 11:30 pm
