South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized multilateralism at the G20 talks, amid US absence. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio boycotted, citing anti-Americanism, while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had other commitments. South Africa, the first African G20 leader, aims to promote developing nations’ interests. The G20 includes 19 countries, the AU, and EU, representing over 80% of the global economy. Relations with the US are strained under Trump’s administration, affecting South Africa’s presidency goals. Noah Prescott 21/02/2025 2:30 am
Secretary Noem announced the end of Haiti’s Temporary Protected Status (TPS) on August 3, 2025, reversing an 18-month extension by the previous administration. This aligns with President Trump’s policy to limit TPS, which he argues has been misused, allowing illegal immigrants to gain legal status. Haiti has had TPS since 2010, with eligible Haitians increasing from 57,000 in 2011 to over 520,000 by 2024. TPS is meant for nationals from countries facing conflict or disasters, but Trump aims to return it to its temporary nature. Noah Prescott 21/02/2025 2:30 am
Nearly 300 deportees from various nations, held in Panama after being sent from the U.S., are in limbo awaiting repatriation. A Chinese woman escaped from a hotel with outside help, prompting warnings of human trafficking charges. Migrants, primarily from Asian countries, displayed signs pleading for help, citing safety concerns in their home countries. Panama agreed to serve as a transit point for difficult-to-deport migrants. While 171 agreed to return home, others refuse, raising detention duration concerns. Remaining migrants may be moved to a facility near the Darien Gap. Penelope Kingsley 21/02/2025 2:30 am
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered an “intense operation” against West Bank “terror hubs” following suspected terrorist attacks involving explosions on three parked buses in Bat Yam. No injuries were reported, but explosives were found on two other buses. The attacks coincided with Israel’s mourning after Hamas returned four hostages’ bodies. The bombs, equipped with timers, were reminiscent of past Palestinian uprisings. Defense Minister Israel Katz blamed “Palestinian terrorist organizations.” Bus operations resumed after safety inspections. Netanyahu is receiving updates from his military secretary. Noah Prescott 21/02/2025 2:30 am
Panamanian authorities recaptured a Chinese woman who escaped from a hotel where nearly 300 deportees from the U.S. were held. She was found near the Panama-Costa Rica border. The escape, blamed on human traffickers, followed criticism of Panama’s handling of the migrants, who displayed signs pleading for help. The deportees, mainly from Asia, are in limbo as Panama serves as a transit point. While 171 agreed to return home, others refuse, raising detention concerns. Remaining migrants will be moved to a facility near the Darien Gap until their destinations are determined. Ava Sinclair 20/02/2025 11:00 pm
Hamas released the bodies of four Israeli hostages, including Shiri Bibas and her two children, Ariel and Kfir, and 83-year-old Oded Lifshitz. The hostages were reportedly killed in Israeli airstrikes. Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed national grief and apologized for not protecting them. The bodies were displayed in Gaza before being transferred to Israel for identification. Lifshitz’s family confirmed his identity, expressing sorrow over his loss. Penelope Kingsley 20/02/2025 11:00 pm
Residents of an English village were evacuated after a large sinkhole appeared on Godstone High Street, likely caused by a burst water main. The sinkhole, which reached the edge of residential buildings, led to fears of gas pipe ruptures and explosions. About 30 buildings were evacuated, and homes lost water supply. Experts are assessing safety and repairs. The local geology, including sand and a former sand quarry, may have contributed to the collapse. Historical maps indicate a nearby subterranean sand pit. Penelope Kingsley 20/02/2025 7:30 pm
A multinational effort is underway to repatriate Chinese nationals trafficked to scam centers in Myanmar. This week, 600 Chinese will be sent home via Thailand, with 200 already crossing into Mae Sot. Criminal gangs have forced thousands into illegal online operations across Southeast Asia. Cooperation between China, Thailand, and Myanmar is crucial, with Beijing actively involved. The rescue of Chinese actor Wang Xing highlighted the issue, prompting grassroots efforts to identify trafficked individuals. Myanmar’s junta is also participating, detaining over 1,500 people in the Myawaddy area. Noah Prescott 20/02/2025 7:30 pm
Spain’s High Court found former soccer federation boss Luis Rubiales guilty of sexual assault for kissing player Jenni Hermoso without consent, fining him over 10,000 euros. He was acquitted of coercion charges and plans to appeal. The case sparked a national debate on sexism and fueled Spain’s “Me Too” movement. Rubiales’ three co-defendants were acquitted. The court ruled the kiss was of minor intensity, opting for a fine over prison. Rubiales is banned from contacting Hermoso for a year and must pay her 3,000 euros in compensation. Penelope Kingsley 20/02/2025 7:30 pm
European leaders are increasingly viewing the United States as an unreliable ally after a series of diplomatic missteps by U.S. officials, including President Trump’s criticism of Ukraine. Eastern European countries, particularly those near Russia, have long warned of Russian aggression, but Western Europe has been slow to act. In response to U.S. actions, European leaders are considering increasing defense spending and deploying peacekeepers, though no concrete policies have emerged. Former Lithuanian foreign minister Gabrielius Landsbergis urges Europe to take responsibility for its own security and freedom. Penelope Kingsley 20/02/2025 4:00 pm
