In a BBC interview, Prince Harry expressed deep frustration and a sense of separation from the Royal Family, sparked by his court defeat over UK security downgrades. He revealed emotional wounds, particularly his father’s refusal to speak to him due to security issues, highlighting the family’s rift. Harry lamented the lack of contact between his children and their UK relatives, expressing a desire for reconciliation despite the ongoing family tensions. He suggested the Royal Household used security as leverage to keep him within the family, while he yearned for resolution and connection. Noah Prescott 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
Erin Patterson, a suburban Australian mom, is on trial for allegedly poisoning her estranged husband’s relatives with death cap mushrooms, killing three. The case, in Victoria’s Supreme Court, involves accusations that Patterson served the poisonous mushrooms in a beef Wellington dish during a July 2023 lunch. Prosecutors claim she lied about a cancer diagnosis to host the meal and faked symptoms afterward. Patterson denies the charges, pleading not guilty to murder and attempted murder, asserting the incident was a tragic accident. The trial is expected to last six weeks. Penelope Kingsley 02/05/2025 11:30 pm
The Trump administration, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, designated the Viv Ansanm coalition and Gran Grief gang as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists. These Haitian gangs, comprising over two dozen armed groups, are accused of violence against Haitians and security forces, aiming to overthrow the government. Rubio emphasized the threat to U.S. national security and the end of impunity for violence supporters. The designation aligns with previous actions against Latin American crime organizations, imposing criminal and financial penalties on those aiding these groups. Noah Prescott 02/05/2025 11:30 pm
The right-wing Reform UK party, led by Nigel Farage, won a parliamentary seat, a mayoralty, and several local council posts in England’s elections. Reform’s victory in Runcorn and Helsby, by just six votes, marked its fifth seat in the House of Commons. Farage claimed this success signaled the decline of the Labour and Conservative parties. Andrea Jenkyns, a former Conservative, won the Greater Lincolnshire mayoral race for Reform. The party is leading in initial council seat tallies, capitalizing on the political landscape’s shift after the Conservatives’ historic defeat. Ava Sinclair 02/05/2025 8:00 pm
Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas, the world’s oldest person, passed away at 116. Born in 1908 in Brazil, she defied early health concerns to live a long life. Colégio Santa Teresa, where she spent her final days, praised her dedication to education and love for humanity. Sport Club Internacional also honored her legacy. The title of the world’s oldest person now belongs to 115-year-old Ethel Caterham from Britain, the last surviving subject of King Edward VII, according to the Gerontology Research Group. Noah Prescott 02/05/2025 8:00 pm
During his estranged wife’s murder trial, Simon Patterson recounted that Erin Patterson invited him and his family to a lunch on July 29, 2023, claiming she had a health announcement. Simon declined last minute, citing discomfort. His parents and aunt died after eating beef Wellingtons containing death cap mushrooms; his uncle survived after a liver transplant. Erin pleaded not guilty to murder and attempted murder, claiming it was an accident. Simon testified they separated in 2015 but remained amicable until a tax return issue in 2022. Prosecutors allege Erin lied to prevent her children from eating the meal. Ava Sinclair 02/05/2025 8:00 pm
A vessel carrying aid to Gaza was attacked by drones in international waters off Malta, causing a fire that was controlled. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition accused Israel but provided no evidence. The Israeli army did not comment. Israel has blocked Gaza imports since March to pressure Hamas to release hostages taken during an October 2023 attack. The conflict has resulted in over 52,000 Palestinian deaths and widespread destruction in Gaza, with most of its population now homeless. Noah Prescott 02/05/2025 8:00 pm
Firefighters installed a chimney on the Sistine Chapel to signal the election of a new Pope. The conclave will vote on May 7 to select Pope Francis’s successor. After each voting round, ballots are burned to produce smoke: black if no pope is elected, white if a new pope is chosen. About 133 cardinals will vote, while discussions include all cardinals, even those over 80, who cannot vote. The new pope will address the Catholic Church’s financial challenges. Ava Sinclair 02/05/2025 8:00 pm
Germany’s intelligence agency has labeled the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party as an “extremist endeavor,” facilitating increased surveillance. The designation cites the party’s anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant views, which violate human dignity. Previously a “suspected” extremist group, this reclassification may spark debates about potentially banning the party. AfD leaders criticized the move as damaging to democracy. The decision follows a three-year expert review, highlighting the party’s ethnic-based ideology. The Trump administration has shown support for AfD, despite its controversial stance. Noah Prescott 02/05/2025 4:30 pm
