Israel’s air force struck near Syria’s presidential palace after warning against advancing on Druze villages. This followed clashes between pro-Syrian government forces and Druze fighters near Damascus, resulting in numerous casualties. The strike, Israel’s second on Syria that week, aimed to warn Syria’s new Islamist-led leadership. Druze leader Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hijri condemned Syria’s government for attacks on the minority. Israel’s leaders emphasized the strike as a message to protect the Druze community. Clashes began after a controversial audio clip attributed to a Druze cleric circulated, sparking tensions. Ava Sinclair 02/05/2025 9:30 am
Britain’s political landscape faces potential upheaval as the right-wing Reform UK party, led by Nigel Farage, is poised to make significant gains in local elections. This could challenge the longstanding dominance of the Conservative and Labour parties. The elections, involving about 1,600 seats, are seen as a test of public sentiment since Labour’s recent national victory. Reform UK’s success would indicate growing public discontent and a shift towards populist movements. Both major parties are struggling, with Labour facing internal issues and Conservatives recovering from leadership turmoil. Ava Sinclair 02/05/2025 6:00 am
Tourist Nash Core and his 11-year-old son, Parker, helped rescue a stranded 3-meter great white shark off the Australian coast. Alongside three local men, they returned the shark to deeper water near Ardrossan, South Australia. Core, visiting from Queensland, captured the event with his drone. Despite initial fear, he and Parker joined the effort, though Core chose not to push the shark himself. The men used crab rakes to guide the shark back to safety. Noah Prescott 02/05/2025 6:00 am
President Trump threatened sanctions on anyone buying Iranian oil, following postponed nuclear talks with Tehran. He warned that countries or individuals purchasing Iranian oil or petrochemical products would be barred from U.S. business. This move risks escalating tensions with China, Iran’s main oil customer, amid existing U.S.-China trade strains. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported China took nearly 90% of Iran’s oil exports in 2023. The threat followed Oman’s announcement of postponed U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations, with new dates pending. Ava Sinclair 02/05/2025 6:00 am
This week’s sectarian violence in Syria has resulted in over 100 deaths, with clashes between pro-government forces and Druse militants spreading. By Thursday, government representatives reached agreements with Druse leaders to ease tensions and integrate armed groups into the national military. The unrest began after a Druse cleric was falsely accused of insulting the Prophet Muhammad, leading to attacks by Sunni extremists. Druse militias and government forces responded, with violence spreading to several areas. Druse leaders expressed willingness to collaborate with the government to restore order. Penelope Kingsley 02/05/2025 2:30 am
Sister Inah Canabarro, a Brazilian nun and the world’s oldest person, died at 116, weeks before her 117th birthday. Confirmed by LongeviQuest, she attributed her longevity to her Catholic faith. Born in Porto Alegre, she was a lifelong teacher and created marching bands in Brazil and Uruguay. Her great-grandfather was a notable Brazilian general. Honored by Pope Francis on her 110th birthday, she was the second oldest nun ever documented. The world’s oldest person is now Ethel Caterham, a 115-year-old British woman. Penelope Kingsley 02/05/2025 2:30 am
A total of 133 Cardinals will participate in the upcoming conclave to elect the next Pope, exceeding the 120-elector limit set by the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis. This limit, established by Pope Paul VI in 1975, has been frequently surpassed by recent Popes, including John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis. Despite the regulation, the College of Cardinals has recognized the right of all 133 electors to participate, indicating a tacit dispensation from the rule. This marks the first conclave with more than 120 electors. Ava Sinclair 01/05/2025 11:00 pm
Sister Inah Canabarro, a Brazilian nun and teacher, passed away at nearly 117, recognized as the world’s oldest person by LongeviQuest. She attributed her longevity to her Catholic faith. Born in Porto Alegre, she became a nun as a teenager, taught throughout her life, and was honored by Pope Francis on her 110th birthday. Her great-grandfather was a notable Brazilian general. Canabarro was the second oldest nun ever documented. The title of the world’s oldest person now belongs to 115-year-old Ethel Caterham from Britain. Noah Prescott 01/05/2025 11:00 pm
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that the ultimate goal of the Israel-Hamas War is victory over Israel’s enemies, though returning hostages remains important. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum criticized this stance, arguing that the hostages’ return should be the supreme goal. Families of hostages expressed concern, with some calling for Netanyahu’s removal. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich faced similar backlash for prioritizing military victory. IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir stated the military is preparing to intensify operations against Hamas, which still holds fifty-nine hostages. Ava Sinclair 01/05/2025 11:00 pm
Deadly clashes near Damascus between Islamist factions, security forces, and Druze fighters highlight Syria’s ongoing instability post-Assad. Israel conducted airstrikes to protect Druze civilians. Despite new authorities’ promises of unity, skepticism remains due to their jihadist roots. Syria remains divided, with regions like Idlib and Kurdish areas maintaining autonomy. Recent violence, including revenge killings, underscores fears of further conflict. The Druze, an Islamic offshoot, are involved in the latest clashes, reflecting Syria’s fractured state after years of civil war and Assad’s authoritarian rule. Ava Sinclair 01/05/2025 11:00 pm
