M23 rebels in eastern DR Congo have captured the airport near Bukavu, advancing despite calls for a ceasefire. Their progress has displaced hundreds of thousands, with the rebels now 30km from Bukavu. The Congolese army is fighting back, but panic is rising among residents. The African Union is urging a ceasefire, emphasizing that military solutions won’t resolve the conflict. Rwanda, accused of backing M23, denies involvement. The situation unfolds as African leaders meet at an AU summit in Ethiopia. Ava Sinclair 14/02/2025 8:00 pm
A 24-year-old kayaker, Adrian Simancas, was briefly swallowed by a humpback whale during a kayaking trip in Chile’s Patagonia region. Captured on video by his father, Dell, the whale surfaced in the Strait of Magellan, engulfing Adrian before releasing him. Adrian described the experience as terrifying, feeling a slimy texture and seeing dark colors before resurfacing. Despite the scare, both father and son plan to continue kayaking. The Strait of Magellan is known for outdoor activities, including kayaking with dolphins and whales. Penelope Kingsley 14/02/2025 4:30 pm
At the Munich Security Conference, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s stance on Ukraine’s NATO membership as “clumsy” and a “mistake.” Trump and U.S. officials, including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, stated Ukraine won’t join NATO and shouldn’t expect pre-2014 borders. Trump also initiated bilateral talks with Putin, causing concern among Kyiv and European allies. Pistorius argued that the Trump administration prematurely removed key negotiation topics from discussions. Penelope Kingsley 14/02/2025 4:30 pm
Pope Francis, 88, was hospitalized with bronchitis, causing him to cancel several public events, including a Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. The Vatican stated he is undergoing treatment at Policlinico Agostino Gemelli. Francis has faced respiratory issues since December and has had past health challenges, including lung surgery. Despite these, he maintains a busy schedule, recently completing a 12-day tour in Southeast Asia and Oceania. Recent meetings included Slovakian PM Robert Fico and Cardinal Luis Tagle. Ava Sinclair 14/02/2025 4:30 pm
A 24-year-old Afghan suspect in a Munich car ramming incident had an “Islamist motive,” but no ties to terrorist groups like ISIS, according to authorities. The suspect admitted to intentionally targeting demonstrators, shouting “Allahu akbar” during the attack. He faces 36 counts of attempted murder and other charges, with 36 people injured, including children. The suspect, an asylum-seeker since 2016, had a valid residence permit and no prior criminal record. German President Steinmeier attended a moment of silence, promising legal accountability for the crime. Noah Prescott 14/02/2025 4:30 pm
In Munich, a suspect drove through a union demonstration, injuring at least 30 people, including children. Bavarian governor Markus Söder described the incident as a suspected attack. The driver, a 24-year-old Afghan asylum-seeker, was arrested after police intervention. The attack involved a Mini Cooper plowing into the crowd, causing serious injuries. Söder emphasized the need for change in Germany, acknowledging this as not the first such attack. The suspect is set to appear before a judge. Emergency services were praised for their quick response. Penelope Kingsley 14/02/2025 1:00 pm
A Russian drone hit the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant’s protective shell, but radiation levels remain stable, according to Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and the IAEA. The IAEA confirmed the strike but did not assign blame. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov denied Russian involvement. The incident follows U.S. President Trump’s announcement of a meeting with Russian President Putin to discuss ending the war, potentially sidelining Ukraine and European governments in peace talks. Ukraine continues to face challenges from Russia’s larger military and seeks more Western support. Noah Prescott 14/02/2025 1:00 pm
M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, continue advancing in the DRC’s South Kivu despite regional calls for a ceasefire. Leaders from SADC and EAC met in Tanzania, urging hostilities to cease and humanitarian corridors to open. They tasked defense chiefs with creating a security plan for Goma. Rwanda denies supporting M23, which claims to defend ethnic Tutsis but faces accusations of rights violations and exploiting DRC’s resources. The conflict has displaced 237,000 people since 2025, with the DRC severing ties with Rwanda and seeking UN sanctions. Ava Sinclair 14/02/2025 1:00 pm
During a visit to Pakistan, Turkey’s President Erdogan criticized Israel for not adhering to a ceasefire and condemned plans to displace Palestinians from Gaza. He opposed Trump’s proposal to relocate Palestinians, asserting Gaza belongs to its people. Erdogan and Pakistan’s PM Sharif discussed Gaza, trade, and defense cooperation, signing 24 agreements. They aim to boost trade to $5 billion. Both leaders stressed support for Palestinians and urged Afghanistan to prevent becoming a terrorist haven. They expressed concern over Palestinian casualties and displacement due to Israeli actions, hoping for a lasting ceasefire. Noah Prescott 14/02/2025 1:00 pm
A 24-year-old Afghan asylum seeker drove a Mini Cooper into a crowd in Munich, injuring at least 28 people during a Verdi trade union rally. The suspect, known for theft and drug offenses, was arrested after police fired a shot at the vehicle. The incident occurred amid a public sector workers’ strike, with over 1,000 attendees. Police are investigating any links between the demonstration and the attack, which is not believed to be related to the upcoming Munich Security Conference. Some victims are in life-threatening condition, including children. Penelope Kingsley 14/02/2025 9:30 am
