China criticized the U.S. for “coercion” after Panama ended an infrastructure deal with Beijing, influenced by U.S. threats to reclaim the Panama Canal. China’s Foreign Ministry condemned U.S. tactics against the Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to enhance China’s global ties through infrastructure projects. Panama’s decision is seen as yielding to U.S. pressure, following warnings from U.S. officials about reducing Chinese influence over the canal. Noah Prescott 08/02/2025 3:00 am
In August, 20,000 Ukrainian troops invaded Kursk Oblast, Russia, to divert Russian forces and gain leverage for negotiations. By November, a 60,000-strong Russian and North Korean force counterattacked but failed to dislodge Ukrainians, losing a third of their manpower. Exhausted, they paused operations in February. The Ukrainian Siversk Operational Tactical Group exploited this, advancing three miles and capturing settlements, cutting off Russian forces. Estonian analyst WarTranslated noted Russian reactions and drone attacks on Ukrainian columns. Penelope Kingsley 07/02/2025 11:30 pm
The surge in violence in eastern DRC has led to significant casualties, trauma, and destruction of health infrastructure, worsening the crisis. WHO is responding by providing medical supplies and support. Hospitals are overwhelmed, with 3082 injured and 843 dead reported in North Kivu, and 65 injuries in South Kivu. Health facilities are struggling with supply shortages, and many are damaged or destroyed. Routine health services are disrupted, and health workers face immense pressure and danger. The situation remains volatile, with rising casualty numbers and urgent health needs. Ava Sinclair 07/02/2025 8:00 pm
Estonia and the Baltic states are preparing for potential power outages as they transition from a Russian-controlled electricity grid. This move is part of a long-term project to desynchronize from the Soviet-era grid, with preparations including infrastructure upgrades and new power lines to Europe. Despite low current risks, Estonia’s Interior Ministry emphasizes readiness for any scenario. The transition follows the Baltics’ cessation of electricity purchases from Russia after its 2022 Ukraine invasion. The BRELL agreement, which governs the shared grid, will expire on February 7. Penelope Kingsley 07/02/2025 8:00 pm
Santorini faces a crisis as severe earthquakes raise concerns about the Kolumbo submarine volcano. Over 11,000 people have left the island amid fears of an eruption. Greece declared a state of emergency, requiring swimming pools to be drained and access to high-risk areas restricted. Despite a growing magma chamber beneath Kolumbo, scientists believe the volcano poses no immediate threat. The region, part of the seismically active Hellenic volcanic arc, has a history of destructive earthquakes, including a major one in 1956. Recent studies highlight significant earthquake risks and potential tsunamis. Noah Prescott 07/02/2025 8:00 pm
Venezuela accused the US of “brazen theft” after the US seized a Venezuelan government aircraft in the Dominican Republic, citing violations of US sanctions and money laundering. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio oversaw the confiscation, marking the second such seizure in less than a year. The US has imposed sanctions on Venezuela, citing corruption and repression under Nicolás Maduro. Venezuela vowed to denounce the seizure and demand the aircraft’s return. The US maintains its sanctions are justified, emphasizing enforcement against human rights violations and alliances with adversarial nations. Penelope Kingsley 07/02/2025 8:00 pm
Hamas plans to release hostages Eli Sharabi, Ohad Ben Ami, and Or Levy in Gaza on Saturday in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Since the ceasefire began on January 19, 18 hostages have been freed, and Israel has released 383 prisoners. By the end of the ceasefire’s first stage, 33 hostages and 1,900 prisoners are expected to be freed, though Israel claims eight hostages are dead. The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas seized 251 hostages and killed about 1,200 people in Israel. The offensive has resulted in at least 47,500 Palestinian deaths. Noah Prescott 07/02/2025 8:00 pm
Jared Kushner and Trump’s team view the Arab-Israeli conflict as a real estate opportunity, proposing to redevelop Gaza as the “Riviera of the Middle East.” Despite widespread condemnation, Trump announced a U.S. plan to transform Gaza, emphasizing construction over political solutions. Critics argue this approach trivializes a complex, longstanding conflict. Trump’s aides claim the plan aims to improve living conditions for Gazans, who have suffered from prolonged conflict and destruction. Penelope Kingsley 07/02/2025 8:00 pm
Salim Karim Iskef, 28, died after a mass shooting at an adult education center in Örebro, Sweden. Before dying, he video-called his fiancée, Kareen Alia, to express his love and ask her to care for his mother. The couple had planned to marry this summer. The shooter, connected to the center, killed 10 people and was later found dead. Authorities have not identified a motive and believe he acted alone, with no terrorism links. The school offers various educational programs for adults. Noah Prescott 07/02/2025 8:00 pm
U.S. President Donald Trump will meet Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to strengthen business and security ties amid concerns over China’s rise and a potential trade war. Trump’s administration has taken a conventional approach to Asia-Pacific allies, but tensions with China over tariffs could disrupt relations. Japan, heavily reliant on trade, shares concerns about China’s ambitions. Japanese officials are cautious of Beijing’s influence on Trump, despite comfort with his China hawks. Trump and Ishiba will hold a joint news conference, signaling positive engagement from the new administration. Noah Prescott 07/02/2025 8:00 pm
