Donald Trump Jr is accused of killing a protected ruddy shelduck while hunting in Italy’s Venice lagoon. Andrea Zanoni, a Veneto regional councillor, highlighted a video showing Trump Jr with the rare bird, protected by EU and Italian laws. Trump Jr is seen shooting ducks, including a distinctive orange one, in a video from Field Ethos. The ruddy shelduck is not globally threatened but is protected in Europe. Massimo Buconi of the Italian Hunting Federation noted that if confirmed, the act would breach Italian law. Ava Sinclair 07/02/2025 2:30 am
The National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico in Mobile, Alabama, faces challenges after President Trump announced plans to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. Museum director Karen Poth, who recently rebranded the museum, is concerned about the costly implications of updating all references to the new name. The name change, part of Trump’s effort to “honour American greatness,” has sparked international controversy, with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum contesting its legality. Poth remains neutral but acknowledges the potential financial burden of such a change. Penelope Kingsley 07/02/2025 2:30 am
Three Israeli hostages are set for release on Saturday, marking the fifth round since the Gaza hostage-ceasefire deal began. Seventy-nine hostages remain. Concerns arise that recent statements by former US President Trump might disrupt the process. Negotiations continue, with Netanyahu seeking to extend phase one for more releases. However, Israel faces a deadline to withdraw from the Philadelphi corridor by day 50, which Netanyahu opposes. The Trump administration is keen to advance to phase two, aiming for the release of all remaining hostages. Noah Prescott 06/02/2025 11:00 pm
Greece declared a state of emergency on Santorini due to persistent tremors and over 100 earthquakes since January 26. Emergency measures are in place until March 3, allowing rapid mobilization of resources. Over 11,000 people have evacuated, with two-thirds of residents leaving. The Athens Geodynamic Institute recorded over 6,000 tremors, with the strongest at 5.2 magnitude. Experts say the seismic activity is unprecedented and may continue for weeks. Penelope Kingsley 06/02/2025 11:00 pm
Hundreds of Congolese women were raped and burnt alive by Rwandan-backed M23 rebels during a prison raid in Goma, Congo. The attack occurred amid a mass jailbreak, with 4,000 prisoners escaping. The rebels, who recently resumed conflict against the Congolese government, have taken control of Goma, causing tens of thousands to flee. The UN warns of sexual violence as a weapon of war. M23 announced a ceasefire, but concerns remain over potential territorial advances towards Bukavu. Ava Sinclair 06/02/2025 11:00 pm
President Trump’s proposal for the U.S. to take ownership of Gaza shocked both his administration and Israeli officials. The announcement lacked basic planning, with no consultations with the State Department or Pentagon, and no feasibility assessments. The idea was not previously discussed publicly or within the government, leaving officials unprepared. The proposal seemed to originate solely from Trump, surprising even Prime Minister Netanyahu shortly before their joint news conference. Penelope Kingsley 06/02/2025 11:00 pm
During his visit to Washington DC, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not plan to meet with American Jewish organization leaders, which they found offensive. Despite meeting with senior officials and Evangelical leaders, Netanyahu’s decision disappointed Jewish leaders who have supported Israel extensively. Historically, Israeli prime ministers meet with US Jewish leadership during visits, but Netanyahu’s past tensions with them, including disputes over Western Wall legislation and judicial reforms, have complicated relations. Instead, Netanyahu planned to meet with young Jewish leaders, sparking further criticism. Ava Sinclair 06/02/2025 11:00 pm
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will lead Ukraine’s delegation at the Munich Security Conference, joined by U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and special envoy Keith Kellogg. Andriy Yermak stated Ukraine will present its position on ending the war and achieving lasting peace. The conference is crucial for Ukraine to strengthen ties with the new U.S. administration amid ongoing conflict with Russia. Ukraine aims to discuss security guarantees to prevent future Russian aggression. Noah Prescott 06/02/2025 11:00 pm
Nearly 3,000 people have died in Goma, DR Congo, after rebels captured the city following intense battles with the Congolese army. The UN reported 2,000 bodies collected from streets and 900 in morgues. Despite a ceasefire announced by the rebel coalition, Alliance Fleuve Congo, fighting persists, particularly in South Kivu. The conflict, driven by ethnic tensions and resource disputes, involves accusations against Rwanda for backing the M23 group. Rwanda denies this but admits to having troops in eastern Congo. The region is rich in minerals like coltan, essential for electronics. Ava Sinclair 06/02/2025 7:30 pm
Syria’s embassy in Stockholm confirmed Syrians were among the 10 victims of a school shooting in Orebro, Sweden. The gunman, identified locally as Rickard Andersson, was killed, but police haven’t confirmed his identity or motive. Salim Iskef, a Syrian Orthodox Christian, was among the victims. Two Bosnian citizens were also affected. The attack prompted a large police response, with 130 officers arriving at the scene. The embassy and Bosnian authorities expressed condolences. Noah Prescott 06/02/2025 4:00 pm
