Russian President Vladimir Putin visited a command post near Kursk, dressed in fatigues, to commend his military for reclaiming territory from Ukrainian forces. This visit followed a U.S. delegation’s meeting with Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia, where a 30-day cease-fire was agreed upon. However, Putin has expressed disinterest in a temporary truce. Accompanied by Gen. Valery Gerasimov, Putin reviewed maps and praised the military’s efforts to permanently secure the region from Ukrainian occupation. Penelope Kingsley 13/03/2025 5:30 am
Portugal is set for a snap election after Prime Minister LuÃs Montenegro’s government fell due to a no-confidence vote linked to the Spinumviva scandal. Montenegro, who founded the consultancy before his political role, faced allegations of benefiting from government contracts. Despite denying conflicts of interest, the controversy persisted, leading to parliamentary censure motions and ultimately a failed confidence vote. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa is expected to dissolve parliament and announce an election for May, aiming to restore political stability. Ava Sinclair 13/03/2025 5:30 am
A Russian captain was arrested after the cargo ship Solong collided with the U.S.-flagged Stena Immaculate in the North Sea, causing a fire and a jet fuel leak. The incident left one crew member missing and presumed dead. The Solong, owned by Ernst Russ, is Portuguese-flagged and crewed by Russian and Filipino nationals. The collision raised environmental concerns due to the fuel spill. Ava Sinclair 13/03/2025 5:30 am
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has taken full responsibility for his “war on drugs” in a video message on Facebook, as he faces charges at the International Criminal Court (ICC). Duterte was arrested in Manila on murder charges related to the drug war, which resulted in thousands of deaths. The ICC confirmed his custody and stated he will appear before a judge in The Hague soon. The video, recorded on a plane, has been viewed 10 million times. Penelope Kingsley 13/03/2025 5:30 am
Syria experienced its worst violence and disinformation wave since Assad’s fall, with attacks by his supporters on new security forces. Conflicting reports emerged, with some claiming violence in Jableh, while others denied it. Researchers at Verify-Sy noted a surge in disinformation, linked to real-life coordination, urging minorities to flee and inciting violence. Generative AI was used to manipulate content, escalating tensions. By Monday, the situation had calmed, but the disinformation highlighted the challenges in distinguishing truth amid ongoing conflict. Penelope Kingsley 13/03/2025 5:30 am
CNN’s Wonder Theory newsletter covers scientific discoveries, including 866 new marine species found by Ocean Census. This global initiative aims to fill knowledge gaps about ocean life, with only 10% of marine species discovered. The project involves over 800 scientists and uses advanced technology to explore ocean depths. Michelle Taylor, a coral expert, highlights the immense potential for new findings, including a suspected new coral species. The discoveries span various taxa, from sharks to corals, emphasizing the ocean’s vast, unexplored biodiversity. Ava Sinclair 13/03/2025 2:00 am
Survivors of a train hijacking by Baloch separatists in Pakistan recounted witnessing executions and fleeing under fire. The Balochistan Liberation Army attacked the Jaffar Express with grenades and gunfire near Sibi city. The train, traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, was carrying nearly 400 passengers. Pakistan’s security forces ended the standoff, rescuing 346 passengers and killing all 33 attackers, but 26 passengers, the train driver, and a soldier were also killed. Survivors described the ordeal as “horrific,” with some managing to escape amid the chaos. Noah Prescott 13/03/2025 2:00 am
Ukrainian forces are reportedly withdrawing from Russia’s Kursk region after holding territory since August 6 last year. Russia claims advances, capturing five more villages, and video shows Russian troops in Sudzha. Ukraine’s top commander denies encirclement but mentions repositioning defensively. Ukrainian blogger Skadovskyi Defender states troops will leave Kursk by Friday, though Ukraine continues strikes on Sudzha. The situation remains unverified due to reporting restrictions, but independent analyst Ruslan Leviev suggests the Ukrainian incursion is nearing its end. Ava Sinclair 13/03/2025 2:00 am
During a press conference in Ireland, Joly criticized Trump’s tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, emphasizing Canada’s unjust treatment despite being a close ally. She plans to meet with Rubio to address these issues and protect Canada’s sovereignty. Rubio hopes for constructive U.S. engagement at the G7. Meanwhile, Canadians feel increasingly abandoned by the U.S., with some viewing it as an adversary. Joly condemned Trump’s tariffs as economic aggression against Canada. Noah Prescott 13/03/2025 2:00 am
US envoy Steve Witkoff is in Qatar for indirect talks between Israel and Hamas to extend the Gaza ceasefire. The initial 42-day truce saw hostages exchanged, but ended on March 1. Israel seeks a two-month extension, while Hamas demands talks on ending the war and troop withdrawal. Israel’s blockade of Gaza has halted aid, raising international concerns. The Houthi movement threatens attacks on Israeli ships, escalating tensions. The UN warns that aid delays could reverse ceasefire progress, as local businesses, like bakeries, struggle due to supply shortages. Noah Prescott 12/03/2025 10:30 pm
