Santorini’s tourist season faces challenges due to ongoing earthquakes, causing a drop in bookings and concerns over staffing. The island relies on seasonal workers, but uncertainty about tourist numbers and safety has led some, like bartender Manos, to seek jobs elsewhere. Construction work is also stalled, with hotel owners urging government support to retain workers. Penelope Kingsley 12/02/2025 10:30 pm
Austria faces political turmoil as the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) exited coalition talks with the center-right People’s Party (ÖVP) over disagreements on cabinet posts. President Alexander Van der Bellen must now decide whether to call another election or let the ÖVP negotiate with centrist and leftist parties. Despite challenges, these parties might prefer negotiations over a snap election, which could favor the far right. FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl, who aimed to be Austria’s first far-right leader since WWII, failed to secure key ministries, leading to the breakdown in talks. Noah Prescott 12/02/2025 10:30 pm
Israel’s military is preparing for potential renewed conflict in Gaza if Hamas doesn’t release more Israeli hostages by Saturday, risking the breakdown of a ceasefire. The ceasefire, effective since January 19, is threatened by accusations of Israeli violations. U.S. President Trump demands all hostages be freed by Saturday, while Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu warns of “intense fighting” if the deadline isn’t met. The situation risks reigniting a devastating conflict in Gaza, with mediators working to prevent escalation. The conflict began with a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Ava Sinclair 12/02/2025 7:00 pm
An Australian hospital is reviewing patient records after a nurse claimed online to have killed Israelis, amid rising antisemitic incidents in Australia. A police strike force is investigating potential hate speech violations linked to the video. Two nurses involved in the online discussion were suspended and banned from future employment with the state health department. Jewish leader Alex Ryvchin highlighted increasing extremism among medical professionals. The video was posted by Israeli activist Max Veifer, known for exposing antisemitic sentiments. Authorities acted swiftly, but direct contact with the nurses was unsuccessful. Penelope Kingsley 12/02/2025 3:30 pm
Egypt’s President Sisi will not visit Washington if the agenda includes Trump’s plan to displace Palestinians from Gaza, according to Egyptian sources. Trump’s proposal, which involves relocating over 2 million Palestinians and turning Gaza into a U.S.-controlled area, has angered the Arab world. He has pressured Egypt and Jordan to accept the displaced population, threatening to cut aid if they refuse. While Trump invited Sisi to the White House, no visit date is set. Jordan’s King Abdullah seemed uneasy discussing the plan with Trump. Noah Prescott 12/02/2025 3:30 pm
A truck cabin swallowed by a sinkhole in Yashio, Japan, was found in a nearby sewer pipe. Drone images suggest a body inside, possibly the missing 74-year-old driver. The sinkhole, now 40m wide, was likely caused by a sewer rupture. High water flow and hydrogen sulfide levels prevent entry into the pipe. A temporary bypass pipe is needed, taking up to three months. The sinkhole’s expansion has led to evacuations and water usage restrictions for 1.2 million residents. The search has faced delays due to safety concerns. Noah Prescott 12/02/2025 3:30 pm
A Russian missile attack on Kyiv killed one person and injured four, including a nine-year-old girl. Ukraine’s military intercepted most missiles and drones, but fires and damage occurred in several districts. In Kryvyi Rih, Russian strikes also caused damage. Meanwhile, a Ukrainian drone strike killed a woman in Russia’s Belgorod region. President Zelensky criticized Putin’s actions and called for international support. He suggested land swaps in peace talks, but Russia dismissed the idea as “impossible.” Noah Prescott 12/02/2025 3:30 pm
The UN accused former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina’s government of using systematic violence against protesters, potentially amounting to “crimes against humanity.” Up to 1,400 people, including children, were killed, mostly by security forces. The unrest began with student protests and escalated into a movement to oust Hasina. UN findings suggest the government and security officials were involved in serious human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings and torture. The report was requested by caretaker leader Muhammad Yunus, who aims to ensure security and dignity for all citizens. Penelope Kingsley 12/02/2025 3:30 pm
Scott Greytak from Transparency International notes a shift in U.S. public perception, with courts now seen as susceptible to undue influence, similar to Congress and the executive branch. This perception change coincides with a drop in the U.S. Corruption Perceptions Index ranking, partly due to controversies involving the Supreme Court, such as Justice Clarence Thomas accepting gifts. Despite adopting an ethics code in 2023, concerns about enforcement remain. A Gallup survey shows U.S. confidence in the judicial system fell to 35%, significantly lower than the OECD median of 55%. Penelope Kingsley 12/02/2025 12:00 pm
President Zelensky condemned Russia’s latest attack on Ukraine, involving ballistic missiles and drones that damaged buildings and infrastructure. He expressed condolences for a fatality in Kyiv and emphasized that only strong measures and international support can stop Russian aggression. The State Emergency Service reported one death and four injuries in the Obolonsky district. Fires were extinguished in various districts, with over 80 rescuers involved. Russia launched at least four ballistic missiles at Kyiv, causing multiple explosions around 4:30 a.m. local time. Ava Sinclair 12/02/2025 12:00 pm
