The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has become the second largest political force in Germany, securing around 20% of the vote, nearly doubling its 2021 result. In eastern Germany, it emerged as the strongest party. AfD leader Alice Weidel expressed willingness to form a coalition with the center-right CDU/CSU alliance, despite criticizing CDU leader Friedrich Merz. The AfD’s anti-immigration stance shaped the election discourse, gaining support from figures like Elon Musk and JD Vance. The party is partially classified as far-right extremist, with some members under intelligence scrutiny. Protests against the AfD highlighted concerns for democracy and migrants. Noah Prescott 24/02/2025 4:00 am
Kyiv appears more normal now, but fears have resurfaced since Donald Trump’s recent call with Vladimir Putin. Trump has spread misinformation about the war, undermining Ukraine and echoing Putin’s views. He has offered Russia concessions, like opposing Ukraine’s NATO membership and accepting territorial losses, which Putin sees as weakness. Despite talks, Russia demands more land and no NATO presence in Ukraine. Penelope Kingsley 24/02/2025 4:00 am
The Alternative for Germany (AfD) achieved a historic success by securing support from one in five German voters, doubling its vote share from 2021. This marks the far right’s highest national election score since World War II. Amid a European crisis and rising right-wing populism, the AfD’s gains are significant. The party’s slogan, “Alice für Deutschland,” echoes a phrase used by Hitler’s stormtroopers. The latest projections show the AfD at 10.4%, with the Social Democratic Party at 25.7% and the Christian Democratic Union at 24.1%. Voter turnout was 76.35%. Noah Prescott 24/02/2025 12:30 am
Israel deployed tanks to the West Bank for the first time since 2002, preparing for an extended military presence to combat terrorism in refugee camps. Tanks entered Jenin amid a fragile ceasefire with Hamas. Defense Minister Israel Katz and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered intensified military actions, with troops expected to stay for a year. Katz stated that displaced Palestinians cannot return. The Palestinian foreign ministry condemned the move as a dangerous escalation. The ceasefire deal involved Hamas releasing hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. The conflict began on October 7, 2023. Ava Sinclair 24/02/2025 12:30 am
Pope Francis, 88, remains in critical condition with pneumonia in both lungs and mild kidney failure, which is under control, according to the Vatican. Hospitalized over a week ago, he has not experienced further respiratory crises and continues to receive oxygen. Despite his condition, he participated in Holy Mass from his hospital apartment. The Vatican maintains a reserved prognosis due to the complexity of his clinical picture. Francis thanked medical staff and missed the weekly Angelus prayer for the third time in his papacy. Noah Prescott 24/02/2025 12:30 am
As Ukraine enters the fourth year of war with Russia, uncertainty looms over U.S. support, with Trump criticizing Zelenskiy and U.S. officials engaging Russia directly, excluding Kyiv. The U.S. has refused to send troops, shifting the burden to Europe. Zelenskiy seeks European support, urging them to form their own army. European leaders plan to visit Kyiv to mark the war’s anniversary. The conflict has resulted in thousands of Ukrainian deaths and millions displaced, with significant military losses on both sides. Penelope Kingsley 24/02/2025 12:30 am
In Germany’s recent election, the conservative CDU/CSU bloc, led by Friedrich Merz, secured 28.5% of the vote, ahead of the far-right AfD at 20.7%. Merz, potentially the next chancellor, advocates for European independence from the US, criticizing figures like Trump and Musk. The election followed the collapse of a coalition led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s SPD, which garnered 16.5%. The AfD is expected to be excluded from government, and Merz may form a coalition with the SPD and/or the Greens. Ava Sinclair 24/02/2025 12:30 am
Israel has expelled residents from refugee camps in Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nur Shams in the West Bank, as part of a major military operation. Defense Minister Israel Katz stated the camps are now “empty” and will be occupied by the Israeli military for a year. The operation, which began on January 21, has displaced 40,000 Palestinians and involved tanks, drones, and special forces. The UN and Palestinian Authority condemned the actions, citing severe infrastructure damage and casualties. Prime Minister Netanyahu ordered intensified military activity, targeting “terrorist strongholds.” Ava Sinclair 23/02/2025 9:00 pm
Russia launched 267 drones into Ukraine, marking the largest drone attack of the war. Ukraine’s air force shot down 138 drones, with 119 lost in flight. Regions affected included Dnipropetrovsk, Odesa, Poltava, Kyiv, and Zaporizhzhia. President Zelenskyy praised defense efforts and called for international unity to achieve peace. Three people were injured in Odesa. Penelope Kingsley 23/02/2025 9:00 pm
In Mulhouse, France, a knife attack by a 37-year-old Algerian-born suspect on a terror watchlist resulted in one civilian death and serious injuries to two police officers. The suspect, who shouted “Allahu Akbar,” was arrested at the scene. President Macron labeled it an “Islamist terror act.” Interior Minister Retailleau noted the suspect’s “schizophrenic profile” and Algeria’s refusal to cooperate in expulsion efforts. The national anti-terror unit is investigating. The attack occurred during a demonstration, with a 69-year-old Portuguese national fatally injured while intervening. Penelope Kingsley 23/02/2025 5:30 pm
