A car drove into a union demonstration in Munich, injuring at least 28 people, including children. Bavarian governor Markus Söder suspects it was an attack. The driver, a 24-year-old Afghan asylum-seeker, was secured at the scene. The incident occurred near downtown Munich, and police confirmed no further danger. Mayor Dieter Reiter expressed shock, noting children were among the injured. Penelope Kingsley 13/02/2025 11:00 pm
A gas explosion at a Taichung shopping mall in Taiwan killed at least five people and injured 20 others. The blast occurred on the 12th floor, where a food court was under construction. Dramatic footage showed debris and smoke, with window panels falling onto streets below. Over 235 people were evacuated, and rescue operations are ongoing with more than 130 firefighters on site. Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te activated government agencies for response and urged an investigation into the cause. Ava Sinclair 13/02/2025 7:30 pm
Hamas announced plans to release three Israeli hostages, easing tensions over a Gaza ceasefire dispute. They accused Israel of not meeting truce obligations, threatening delays. Israel, backed by U.S. President Trump, warned of resuming offensives if hostages weren’t freed. Talks in Cairo with Egyptian and Qatari officials focused on bringing more aid to Gaza. Egypt and Qatar reportedly resolved the dispute, facilitating the ceasefire’s continuation. However, the truce’s future remains uncertain, with key negotiations pending for its next phase. Noah Prescott 13/02/2025 7:30 pm
In Chilean Patagonia, a humpback whale briefly swallowed kayaker Adrián Simancas before releasing him unharmed. The incident, captured on video by his father Dell, went viral. While kayaking in Bahía El Águila, Adrián was engulfed by the whale but quickly resurfaced. Despite the terrifying experience, both father and son remained calm, with Dell filming and reassuring Adrián. They returned to shore safely. The Strait of Magellan, a popular tourist spot, is known for its challenging frigid waters, even during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer. Noah Prescott 13/02/2025 7:30 pm
India and France plan to collaborate on developing small modular nuclear reactors, emphasizing nuclear energy’s role in energy security and a low-carbon economy. This follows India’s intent to amend its strict nuclear liability law, which has delayed past projects. The partnership marks a shift in India’s nuclear policy, opening up to international cooperation and private sector involvement. India aims to generate 100GW of nuclear energy by 2047, with over $2 billion allocated for nuclear R&D, focusing on developing indigenous reactors. Noah Prescott 13/02/2025 7:30 pm
Hamas indicated that the Gaza ceasefire deal could be preserved despite disputes over hostage releases and aid supplies. The ceasefire, brokered by Egypt and Qatar with U.S. support, faced potential collapse amid mutual accusations of violations. Hamas rejected threats from Israeli PM Netanyahu and U.S. President Trump but committed to the agreement, including prisoner exchanges. Talks in Cairo aim to resolve issues, while Israel threatened military action if hostages aren’t released. Israeli minister Avi Dichter expressed confidence that Hamas would adhere to the deal. Penelope Kingsley 13/02/2025 4:00 pm
U.S. President Donald Trump announced a peace plan for Ukraine without informing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, despite Germany’s key role in aiding Kyiv. Scholz, speaking to POLITICO, expressed surprise, having received assurances from Trump that U.S. support for Ukraine would continue. Trump’s plan involves negotiations with Russia, excluding European leaders, and demands Europe provide most military and financial aid. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ruled out Ukraine joining NATO and stated no U.S. troops would participate in peacekeeping. The German chancellery has not commented on these developments. Penelope Kingsley 13/02/2025 4:00 pm
More than 250 workers from 20 nationalities, mostly from African and Asian countries, were released from telecom fraud centers in Myanmar’s Karen State by the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army and brought to Thailand. The Thai army is assessing if they were human trafficking victims. Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra pledged to shut down scam centers along the Thai-Myanmar border, cutting power and fuel access and tightening banking and visa rules. Workers are often lured with false job offers and forced into cyber-fraud activities. Some escapees reported torture. Arrest warrants were issued for Karen National Army commanders linked to scam operations. Noah Prescott 13/02/2025 4:00 pm
Australia raised concerns with China over a Chinese fighter jet’s “unsafe” actions near an Australian patrol aircraft in the South China Sea, a claim China disputes. The Chinese jet released flares close to the Australian plane, prompting Australia to lodge complaints. China accused Australia of intruding into its airspace. Tensions in the region are high due to overlapping territorial claims and previous dangerous interactions. Additionally, a Chinese navy task group was reported near Australia’s north, with Australian forces monitoring their movements. Ava Sinclair 13/02/2025 12:30 pm
NATO allies emphasized that Ukraine and Europe must be included in any peace talks regarding the Ukraine war. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth denied claims of betrayal, despite the Trump administration’s plans for direct negotiations with Russia, excluding European involvement. U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey and German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius insisted that Ukraine’s voice and European participation are essential in negotiations. Hegseth maintained that the U.S. is not sidelining Ukraine, even as Trump considers meeting with Putin. Noah Prescott 13/02/2025 12:30 pm
