NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte praised President Trump for encouraging NATO members to increase defense spending, highlighting recent commitments from the UK and Germany. Rutte emphasized the European Commission’s call for significant new defense investments. Despite Trump’s criticism of members not meeting the 2% GDP defense spending target, Rutte acknowledged progress and expressed optimism for a reinvigorated NATO under Trump’s leadership. Trump claimed credit for increased spending, citing his firm stance during his first term, which he believes strengthened the alliance. Noah Prescott 13/03/2025 11:00 pm
Germany’s chancellor-in-waiting, Friedrich Merz, urged Green lawmakers to support constitutional amendments for €1 trillion in military and economic investments. The CDU/CSU and SPD aim to form a new government after the previous coalition collapsed. Merz needs a two-thirds majority, requiring Green support, as the AfD and The Left oppose the amendments. Merz promised increased defense spending and €50 billion for climate policies to win over the Greens. However, Green leader Katharina Dröge remains skeptical, demanding genuine climate investment. A vote is expected Tuesday, with Bundesrat approval anticipated next Friday. Noah Prescott 13/03/2025 11:00 pm
Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz is urging lawmakers to support a significant increase in state borrowing, proposing a 500 billion euro fund for infrastructure and military spending. He emphasizes the urgency, citing threats from Russia and an unreliable U.S., and aims to secure approval before a new parliament convenes on March 25. Merz warns that Germany’s credibility and European security are at stake, stressing the global attention on Germany’s actions. Penelope Kingsley 13/03/2025 7:30 pm
An American influencer, identified as Samantha Strable, sparked outrage in Australia after a video showed her snatching a baby wombat from its mother. The incident led to an investigation into her visa status and criticism from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The video, posted on Instagram, showed Strable holding the joey and commenting on the mother’s distress. The clip, which went viral, prompted a mass petition for her deportation. Strable, known for posing with hunted wildlife, did not respond to contact attempts. The video’s location and time remain unclear. Ava Sinclair 13/03/2025 7:30 pm
A UN report by the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory accuses Israel of committing “genocidal acts” against Palestinians, particularly targeting women’s healthcare in Gaza. The report highlights attacks on maternity wards, destruction of an IVF clinic, and restrictions on food and medical supplies, undermining reproductive capacity. It also details sexual violence by Israeli security forces as a war tactic, including rape and sexualized torture, constituting war crimes. Israel’s leadership allegedly encouraged these acts, while Prime Minister Netanyahu dismissed the report as biased. The report also notes abuses by Hamas during the October 2023 attacks. Ava Sinclair 13/03/2025 7:30 pm
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested in Manila on ICC charges of crimes against humanity. A 12-hour standoff ensued at a Philippine air base, where Duterte resisted arrest and threatened lawsuits. Eventually, police managed to board him onto a jet to The Hague. Human rights groups hailed his arrest as a victory against impunity, while his supporters criticized the move. Duterte is now in ICC custody, with no court appearance date set. Noah Prescott 13/03/2025 4:00 pm
The Jaffar Express train was attacked by armed militants from the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) while traveling through Pakistan’s Bolan Pass. The militants bombed the tracks, fired on the train, and stormed the carriages, demanding the release of Baloch political prisoners. The siege lasted over 30 hours, resulting in the deaths of 33 BLA militants, 21 civilian hostages, and four military personnel. Although 300 passengers were freed, conflicting reports suggest some remain unaccounted for. The BLA, seeking Balochistan’s independence, has a history of such attacks. Penelope Kingsley 13/03/2025 4:00 pm
A UN report accused Israel of committing “genocidal acts” against Palestinians by destroying women’s healthcare facilities in Gaza and using sexual violence as a war strategy. The report claims these actions, including measures to prevent births, amount to crimes against humanity. Israel’s UN mission in Geneva rejected the allegations as unfounded and biased, asserting that the Israeli Defense Forces have strict policies against such misconduct and adhere to international standards. Noah Prescott 13/03/2025 4:00 pm
China’s largest hotpot chain, Haidilao, is compensating over 4,000 diners after two teens urinated into a hotpot broth at a Shanghai branch. The incident, filmed and shared online, involved drunk 17-year-olds who were detained by police. Haidilao apologized, replaced equipment, and disinfected utensils. Diners from 24 February to 8 March will receive full refunds and cash compensation ten times their bill. The company, with over 1,000 global outlets, acknowledged staff failed to prevent the incident and took a week to identify the specific location. Noah Prescott 13/03/2025 4:00 pm
Foreign ministers from the G7 countries and the EU are meeting in La Malbaie, Canada, amid tensions with the U.S. over its foreign policy on Ukraine and tariffs. Key discussions include a debrief on U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s talks with Kyiv about a potential ceasefire. The U.S. has imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum, prompting reciprocal actions from Canada and the EU. Washington is also pushing for specific language on Ukraine and China while opposing a separate declaration on Russia’s shadow fleet. Crafting a unified G7 statement has been challenging. Penelope Kingsley 13/03/2025 4:00 pm
