In the Dominican Republic, overcrowded prisons force inmates, known as “frog men,” to sleep on floors near unsanitary conditions. Many are held without charges, with over 60% in pretrial detention. Despite promises for reform, the system remains unchanged, with prisons operating at up to seven times their capacity. Critics highlight inhumane conditions and prolonged detentions, sometimes lasting up to 20 years without a conviction. Alternatives to detention, like bail, are rarely used, exacerbating the crisis. La Victoria National Penitentiary, built for 2,100, houses over 7,000 inmates. Noah Prescott 19/02/2025 8:30 am
Rescuers are working to save 157 stranded false killer whales on a remote Tasmanian beach near Arthur River. About 90 whales, including juveniles, are still alive. Conservation experts plan to return them to sea. The site is challenging due to bushfires, limited access, and ocean conditions. Authorities advise the public to stay away but may request help if needed. Tasmania has experienced several mass strandings, including a record event in 2020. Local resident Jocelyn Flint described the scene as “absolutely horrific,” with whales appearing to plead for help. Ava Sinclair 19/02/2025 8:30 am
Rwanda-backed M23 rebels are advancing toward Butembo, a major city in eastern Congo, after seizing Goma and Bukavu. The rebels, supported by Rwandan troops, are expanding in a mineral-rich region crucial for global technology. They recently captured Kamanyola and threaten Uvira, raising fears of further violence. The situation is deteriorating, with concerns of significant human loss similar to Goma, where 3,000 people were killed. M23 is among over 100 armed groups vying for control of Congo’s mineral wealth. Penelope Kingsley 19/02/2025 5:00 am
Vice President J.D. Vance’s speech at the Munich Security Conference criticized Germany’s policy of isolating far-right parties, calling it a “threat from within.” His remarks were seen as political meddling, especially with Germany’s upcoming election. Vance’s comments were perceived as ignorant of German politics and history, causing disarray within the Western alliance. He defended the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), a party shunned by others due to its extremist views. Vance skipped a meeting with Chancellor Olaf Scholz to meet the AfD leader, further straining relations. Penelope Kingsley 19/02/2025 5:00 am
Brazil’s former president Jair Bolsonaro faces charges for allegedly leading a far-right conspiracy to maintain power through a military coup. Attorney General Paulo Gonet accused Bolsonaro and six associates of forming a criminal organization with plans to assassinate political figures, including Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes. Bolsonaro, who could face up to 43 years in prison if convicted, denies the allegations. The charges follow a federal police report implicating him in a plot to prevent Lula from assuming the presidency after the 2022 election. Penelope Kingsley 19/02/2025 5:00 am
A rare deep-sea oarfish, often seen as a harbinger of doom, washed up on Lanzarote beach, sparking superstitious fears. Known as “doomsday fish,” oarfish are linked to natural disaster predictions, as seen before Japan’s 2011 earthquake. A video of the discovery gained over nine million views on Instagram, with users speculating about impending disasters. Oarfish, which can grow over six meters, typically inhabit deep waters. Some scientists suggest their beaching may relate to seismic activity or gas releases before earthquakes. Penelope Kingsley 19/02/2025 5:00 am
With five days until Germany’s election, a YouGov poll shows the CDU/CSU bloc’s support dropping to 27%, its lowest since August 2023. Friedrich Merz remains favored for chancellor. The far-right AfD is second, followed by the SPD. The Left Party gained three points to 9%, behind the Greens at 12%. Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized confronting racism, referencing the Hanau shooting’s anniversary. Meanwhile, the AfD faced ridicule for a misspelled election poster. The election sees heightened tensions with the AfD polling second. Noah Prescott 19/02/2025 1:30 am
President Trump’s comments about displacing Palestinians in Gaza sparked outrage, yet some Arab Americans still preferred him over Vice President Harris. Bishara Bahbah, of Arab Americans for Peace, appreciated Trump’s role in a ceasefire, despite Biden and Trump both claiming credit. The Biden-Harris administration faced criticism for its support of Israel, leading some Arab Americans to back Trump or Jill Stein. The community’s dissatisfaction with Biden’s response to the Gaza conflict influenced their political stance, as they felt ignored by his administration. Ava Sinclair 19/02/2025 1:30 am
French President Emmanuel Macron is positioning himself as a leader in European security by hosting a summit with select European leaders, amid U.S.-Russia negotiations on Ukraine. Macron aims for European strategic autonomy, leveraging France’s nuclear status and his presidential mandate. However, consensus is challenging, with Germany’s resistance and key EU nations excluded. Meanwhile, UK’s Keir Starmer seeks a “third way” diplomacy, balancing ties with Washington and supporting Ukraine. Europe remains divided on its security approach, with Macron striving to be the dominant voice. Noah Prescott 19/02/2025 1:30 am
Hamas plans to return the bodies of four hostages, including the Bibas family, on Thursday. The Bibas children, Kfir and Ariel, were nine months and four years old when kidnapped. Hamas claims they died in Israeli airstrikes, but Israel hasn’t confirmed this. The children’s father, Yarden, was released earlier. Hamas will also release six living hostages on Saturday. In exchange, Israel will free women and minors arrested since last October and allow equipment into Gaza. The Bibas family is aware of the reports but hasn’t received official confirmation. Ava Sinclair 19/02/2025 1:30 am
