President Trump expressed confidence that Putin would honor a peace deal to end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, while suggesting Britain could handle attacks on its peacekeeping troops, though the U.S. would assist. During a meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump emphasized Europe’s role in Ukraine’s security. Starmer, alongside France’s Macron, visited Washington after being excluded from U.S.-Russia peace talks. Starmer stressed the importance of siding with peacemakers. Ukraine’s Zelenskyy is expected to visit to finalize an agreement granting the U.S. access to Ukraine’s critical resources. Ava Sinclair 01/03/2025 1:30 pm
Greece experienced a nationwide strike, halting public services and businesses, as citizens protested on the two-year anniversary of a deadly rail crash that killed 57 people. The protests, fueled by grief and anger, highlight public distrust in the government and judiciary, with many believing there’s a cover-up regarding the crash’s true cause. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis faces scrutiny over his administration’s transparency and commitment to democracy. Demonstrators, including victims’ families, gathered in Athens, expressing deep emotions and demanding accountability. Noah Prescott 01/03/2025 1:30 pm
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu held consultations after an Israeli delegation returned from Cairo without extending the Gaza ceasefire. Israel sought to prolong the 42-day truce through Ramadan, but Hamas wants to proceed to negotiations for a permanent resolution. Egyptian and Qatari mediators requested more time to resolve the impasse. The initial agreement halted 15 months of fighting, involving hostage exchanges. However, Israel and Hamas remain divided on key issues, complicating efforts for a lasting resolution. Hamas urged international pressure on Israel to advance to the second phase of the agreement. Noah Prescott 01/03/2025 6:30 am
Pope Francis, in his autobiography, reflects on potential retirement, inspired by his predecessor, envisioning a life as “bishop of Rome emeritus” at Santa Maria Maggiore. He insists he would only retire due to severe health issues, dismissing current speculation despite his health challenges. The Vatican’s transparency about his health has sparked public and internal church discussions about his future. While some express genuine concern, others, particularly critics, lack traditional deference. The precedent set by Pope Benedict XVI raises questions about the evolving nature of the papacy and retirement norms. Ava Sinclair 01/03/2025 6:30 am
Tens of thousands gathered in Athens to mark the second anniversary of the Tempi railway disaster, which killed 57. Protests alleged a government cover-up. Over 170,000 attended in Athens, with 325,000 nationwide. Police deployed tear gas and arrested over 80 amid riots. A general strike paralyzed transport and closed businesses. The GSEE union called for accountability and justice. Noah Prescott 01/03/2025 6:30 am
US funding cuts to South Africa’s HIV/AIDS programs could lead to over 500,000 deaths and up to 500,000 new infections in the next decade, warns Linda-Gail Bekker of the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation. The cuts, following President Trump’s freeze on foreign aid, affect USAID grants under PEPFAR, which supports 17% of South Africa’s HIV budget and provides anti-retroviral medication to 5.5 million people. The US State Department cited the grants’ misalignment with US priorities as the reason for termination. Noah Prescott 01/03/2025 3:00 am
India and the EU have agreed to finalize a free trade deal by year-end, aiming to mitigate U.S. tariff impacts. Announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Indian PM Narendra Modi, the deal seeks collaboration in trade, technology, and more. Talks resumed in 2021 after an eight-year pause. The EU, India’s largest trading partner, seeks lower tariffs on cars and alcohol, while India wants better access for its drugs and chemicals. The agreement faces challenges due to tariff and visa issues. Penelope Kingsley 01/03/2025 3:00 am
Rose Girone, the oldest living Holocaust survivor and advocate for sharing survivors’ stories, has died at 113 in New York. Born in Poland in 1912, her family moved to Germany when she was six. Girone’s life changed with Hitler’s rise in 1933. She was among 245,000 survivors worldwide, a number rapidly decreasing due to age. Greg Schneider of the Claims Conference emphasized the importance of preserving Holocaust lessons in her memory. Ava Sinclair 01/03/2025 3:00 am
Nael Barghouti, the world’s longest-serving political prisoner, was released from Israeli custody as part of a prisoner exchange deal between Israel and Hamas. The 67-year-old spent 45 years in Israeli jails, including 34 consecutive years. Known as “Abu al-Nour,” Barghouti was initially freed in the 2011 Gilad Shalit exchange but re-arrested in 2014. Born in Kobar, he began resisting Israeli occupation at age 10. After his recent release, Barghouti agreed to live in exile to avoid re-arrest. Penelope Kingsley 28/02/2025 11:30 pm
Ontario Premier Doug Ford secured a third consecutive landslide victory in a snap election, winning 80 out of 124 seats and 43% of the vote. Ford argued the election was necessary to gain a mandate to confront a trade war with the U.S. He criticized Donald Trump, emphasizing Canada’s resilience and readiness to win any trade disputes. Despite criticism for traveling to Washington to discuss tariffs, Ford defended his efforts to engage with U.S. lawmakers, stating the importance of building relationships. His gamble on the election paid off, as voters supported his approach. Penelope Kingsley 28/02/2025 11:30 pm
