Moscow’s forces are nearing the encirclement of 10,000 Ukrainian troops in Sudzha, Kursk region, as they attempt to reclaim the town. Russian military bloggers shared videos of a Russian flag in Sudzha’s central square. Ukraine faces pressure after a Russian-North Korean counteroffensive. Ukrainian troops are retreating, with Sudzha now under Russian control, according to Ruslan Leviev. Despite this, Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi denies encirclement threats, emphasizing strategic maneuvers. President Zelenskyy highlights efforts to protect Ukrainian soldiers’ lives. Noah Prescott 12/03/2025 10:30 pm
Former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested in Manila and is now in ICC custody in the Netherlands over his anti-drugs crackdown. His daughters, Veronica and Sara Duterte, criticized the arrest, calling it oppression. Duterte’s flight stopped in Dubai for medical attention before arriving in Rotterdam. The ICC confirmed his surrender and stated a hearing would be scheduled, though his court appearance date remains unclear. Sara Duterte plans to travel to the Netherlands. Ava Sinclair 12/03/2025 10:30 pm
Marco Rubio stated he won’t discuss Trump’s “take over Canada” comments during his Quebec visit amid a diplomatic crisis and trade war. The US secretary of state attended a G7 summit focused on global issues like Ukraine and the Indo-Pacific. Rubio emphasized the meeting’s focus on defense and Ukraine, not on annexing Canada. Tensions with Canada have escalated due to US tariffs, prompting Canadian retaliatory measures. The G7 aims to address global challenges, but Trump’s policies have strained US-European relations. Ava Sinclair 12/03/2025 10:30 pm
Nearly 350 hostages were rescued after a deadly standoff between Pakistan’s military and Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) militants who hijacked a train in Balochistan. The incident left dozens dead, including 27 hostages and one soldier. The BLA, a separatist group, claimed responsibility. The military operation killed at least 35 militants. The attack highlights the ongoing insurgency and deteriorating security in Balochistan, where the ethnic Baloch population feels disenfranchised and alienated from the federal government. Noah Prescott 12/03/2025 7:00 pm
Former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte has arrived in the Netherlands to face charges of crimes against humanity at the ICC for his “war on drugs.” Arrested in Manila, Duterte was flown to The Hague via Dubai, where he underwent medical checks. He could be the first Asian former head of state tried at the ICC. Current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, once an ally, facilitated Duterte’s extradition, citing international obligations. The Duterte and Marcos families, once political allies, have recently fallen out, adding a twist to their public feud. Penelope Kingsley 12/03/2025 7:00 pm
Fears of an environmental disaster eased after a container ship, Solong, collided with the U.S. fuel tanker Stena Immaculate off northeast England. The Solong’s Russian captain was detained. Despite fires and explosions, most of the jet fuel cargo remained intact, with only 10% leaking. The British coastguard reported no further pollution, and fires were reduced. One crew member is missing and presumed dead. Penelope Kingsley 12/03/2025 7:00 pm
In November, the UN’s COP30 will convene in Belém, Brazil, drawing 50,000 attendees. To accommodate this, eight miles of the Amazon rainforest were cleared for a highway, sparking concerns over environmental impact. Forests, crucial in combating climate change, are highlighted by COP30 head André Aranha Corrêa Do Lago, who emphasizes their importance. Local residents, like Claudio Verequete, fear displacement and environmental disruption. The highway divides the forest, affecting both wildlife and communities. Noah Prescott 12/03/2025 7:00 pm
U.S. arms deliveries to Ukraine resumed after the Trump administration lifted its suspension, aiding Ukraine’s fight against Russia. Ukraine is open to a 30-day ceasefire, with President Zelenskyy emphasizing the need for a plan to end the war. Russia awaits detailed information before responding. Arms are being delivered through a Polish logistics center, crucial for Ukraine’s defense. The ceasefire proposal and continued U.S. aid present challenges for Russia’s military objectives. Noah Prescott 12/03/2025 7:00 pm
The Treasury’s Office for Value for Money (OVfM) is prioritizing scrutiny of government spending on short-term accommodation, including asylum housing, aiming to cut £4bn annually. Despite launching in October, the OVfM hadn’t started reviewing proposals until recently. The Home Office spent £2.3bn on hotels for asylum seekers in 2022-23. Costs per asylum seeker rose 141% to £41,000 last year. The OVfM will investigate alongside the Home Office, Ministry of Housing, Ministry of Defence, and Ministry of Justice to address concerns over uncoordinated procurement and rising costs. Ava Sinclair 12/03/2025 3:30 pm
Rodrigo Duterte’s flight to the International Criminal Court in The Hague was delayed after his arrest in Manila. Initially set to land in Rotterdam, the plane was rerouted to Dubai, where Duterte received medical attention. Duterte, facing charges of crimes against humanity for his anti-drugs crackdown, could become the first Asian ex-head of state tried at the ICC. His daughter, Sara Duterte, flew to Amsterdam, though her intentions remain unclear. Duterte’s legal team is assessing options, while the ICC and officials in Dubai have not commented. Noah Prescott 12/03/2025 3:30 pm
