The U.S. ordered non-emergency personnel to leave South Sudan’s capital due to rising crime and conflict. The travel advisory remains at Level 4, advising against travel. Violent crimes, including carjackings and kidnappings, are common. The U.S. has limited emergency services there. Violence threatens a fragile peace deal between President Kiir and Vice President Machar, whose rivalry hinders peace efforts. The 2018 peace deal ended a civil war that killed over 400,000 people. Level 4 advisories indicate life-threatening risks. Noah Prescott 09/03/2025 9:00 pm
Israel will cut off electricity to Gaza, announced Energy Minister Eli Cohen, to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages. This follows Israel’s halt of humanitarian aid and ongoing ceasefire negotiations after a deadly October 2023 conflict. Israel’s invasion of Gaza has resulted in over 60,000 Palestinian deaths. Talks are underway, with Israel seeking to extend the truce’s first phase, while Hamas pushes for the second phase. Israel is prepared to increase pressure if demands aren’t met, as both sides prepare for further negotiations in Qatar. Noah Prescott 09/03/2025 9:00 pm
Romania’s central election authority barred far-right pro-Russian candidate Calin Georgescu from the presidential re-run, intensifying a constitutional crisis. The initial election was canceled over alleged Russian meddling, sparking a dispute between the U.S. and Europe on democratic values. Georgescu, previously a frontrunner, criticized the decision as undemocratic. Elon Musk and U.S. officials condemned the move, while European diplomats supported Romanian courts’ independence. The decision can be challenged in the constitutional court, and Georgescu’s supporters protested outside the election bureau. Noah Prescott 09/03/2025 9:00 pm
Russian special forces used a gas pipeline to attack Ukrainian units from the rear in the Kursk region, aiming to recapture territory seized by Ukraine in a previous offensive. Ukraine’s incursion into Kursk in August captured significant territory, including Sudzha, to gain leverage in peace talks and divert Russian forces. However, Ukrainian troops now face encirclement by over 50,000 Russian and allied troops. Russian operatives reportedly traveled 15 kilometers inside the pipeline to strike near Sudzha. Ukraine’s General Staff confirmed the attack but claimed to have detected and countered the Russian forces effectively. Noah Prescott 09/03/2025 9:00 pm
The Trump administration is finalizing a broader travel ban for citizens of certain countries, expanding on previous bans. A draft proposes a “red” list, including countries from earlier bans like Iran and North Korea, and tentatively adds Afghanistan. Shawn VanDiver, from a nonprofit aiding Afghan resettlement, warned of a complete ban on Afghan citizens. An emergency statement urged Afghans with valid visas to return to the U.S. immediately. Reuters confirmed Afghanistan’s potential inclusion in the ban. Penelope Kingsley 09/03/2025 5:30 pm
Israeli forces are conducting raids in the West Bank, storming homes in Nour Shams and arresting people in Beit Rima. UN’s Francesca Albanese accuses Israel of genocide and calls for its UN suspension. Armed settlers attacked Palestinians in Masafer Yatta, injuring several, including women and children. Hamas denies agreeing to a temporary truce. Israeli forces detained a disabled man in Masafer Yatta. In February, 1,705 attacks on Palestinians were reported by the Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission. Noah Prescott 09/03/2025 2:00 pm
Afghan women share glimpses of their lives, highlighting the challenges they face under Taliban restrictions. They express nostalgia for pre-Taliban freedoms and aspirations for the future. Ala, a 28-year-old artist and dental assistant, reflects on the lack of hope and the burden of societal expectations. She describes the struggle to balance personal dreams with family responsibilities, feeling trapped by traditions and limited opportunities. Despite these challenges, Afghan women continue to express their creativity and resilience through art and storytelling. Noah Prescott 09/03/2025 2:00 pm
A downgraded tropical storm, formerly Cyclone Alfred, is set to hit Australia’s eastern coast, causing heavy rain and potential flooding. Despite being downgraded, the storm poses significant risks, with over 230,000 households without power and tens of thousands evacuated. Authorities warn of severe weather, with rainfall possibly exceeding 200mm, leading to flash and riverine flooding. The storm’s slow movement heightens concerns, affecting four million people across Queensland and northern New South Wales. Residents are advised to stay indoors, with fines for beach visits. Noah Prescott 09/03/2025 2:00 pm
Train services to and from Paris were heavily disrupted after an unexploded WWII bomb was found near Gare du Nord, affecting around 600,000 people. Nearly 500 trains were canceled, impacting domestic and international travel, including Eurostar services to London and Brussels. The 500kg bomb, discovered by construction workers in Saint Denis, posed a serious threat, prompting a security perimeter and evacuations. Train services were expected to gradually resume later on Friday, according to Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot. Penelope Kingsley 09/03/2025 2:00 pm
At an Arab League meeting in Cairo, leaders endorsed Egypt’s $53 billion plan to rebuild Gaza, aiming to establish a Palestinian state. The plan includes a six-month recovery phase and long-term housing projects. Israel demands Hamas’ disarmament, which Hamas opposes. The U.S. supports reconstruction but insists Hamas cannot govern Gaza. An independent Palestinian body would manage the reconstruction, with potential involvement from the Palestinian Authority. Noah Prescott 09/03/2025 10:30 am
