An international panel of 14 neonatal and pediatric specialists questioned the evidence used to convict British nurse Lucy Letby of murdering seven babies. Led by Dr. Shoo Lee, the panel found no evidence of Letby’s guilt and highlighted serious medical errors and management failings at the hospital. They concluded that some deaths were preventable and found no medical evidence of malfeasance in the 17 cases reviewed. The panel’s findings are significant due to their expertise and thorough review of medical records. Noah Prescott 04/02/2025 6:30 pm
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed using an emergency clause to allow EU countries to increase defense spending without breaching budget rules. This suggestion, made during a closed-door meeting, aims to address exceptional circumstances like the Ukraine war and perceived threats from Russia. Von der Leyen emphasized using flexibilities in the Stability and Growth Pact for significant defense spending increases. The proposal responds to pressures from indebted southern EU countries and aims to avoid reopening recent national spending agreements. Ava Sinclair 04/02/2025 6:30 pm
Brexit was driven by political motives, not economics. Despite warnings of economic harm, voters prioritized sovereignty and control over immigration. Trump’s nationalism and protectionism mirrored Brexit sentiments. In 2024, Starmer won over “hero voters,” patriotic individuals who previously supported Brexit and the Tories, by addressing their economic concerns, reclaiming key seats for Labour. Penelope Kingsley 04/02/2025 6:30 pm
President Donald Trump is set to sign more executive orders and meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, marking his first meeting with a world leader this term. This visit is significant for U.S.-Israel relations. Meanwhile, Trump’s administration has issued numerous executive orders, and the Senate is progressing with Cabinet confirmations. The White House recently reversed a freeze on federal grants following backlash. Noah Prescott 04/02/2025 6:30 pm
Multiple earthquakes have struck Santorini, Greece, prompting authorities to deploy rescuers and close schools on four islands. Residents are advised to avoid indoor gatherings and check escape routes. Greece is seismically active, with frequent quakes, though most cause little damage. Recent quakes, ranging from magnitudes 3 to 4.9, have been recorded between Santorini and Amorgos. Increased volcanic activity in Santorini’s caldera is noted but not linked to the quakes. The fault line involved is 120 kilometers long, with activity concentrated between Santorini and Amorgos. Penelope Kingsley 04/02/2025 6:30 pm
Roberto Eid Forest describes a shooting in Orebro, Sweden, as a “horrible” and “exceptional” incident. Police, collaborating with secret services, say the perpetrator was unknown to them, not linked to gangs, and likely acted alone without a terror motive. Six people are hospitalized, with five having gunshot wounds. The investigation is in its early stages, and police will provide further updates. Ava Sinclair 04/02/2025 6:30 pm
Thousands are fleeing Santorini due to seismic activity, with over 6,000 leaving by ferry and up to 2,700 by plane. More than 300 earthquakes have occurred in 48 hours, prompting school closures and warnings against large gatherings. Despite no major damage, emergency measures are in place. Prime Minister Mitsotakis urges calm, while locals, not tourists, primarily evacuate. Aegean Airlines added emergency flights at the Ministry’s request. Santorini, a popular tourist spot, has a population of 15,500. Penelope Kingsley 04/02/2025 3:00 pm
The EU seeks swift engagement with the U.S. over Trump’s planned tariffs, aiming to protect its interests, according to trade chief Maros Sefcovic and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Sefcovic emphasized early dialogue to prevent trade disruptions, while von der Leyen highlighted the importance of cooperation on shared interests like supply chains and technology. Despite limited contact with the Trump administration, the EU is prepared for tough negotiations to safeguard its interests. The EU meeting coincided with new U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods, escalating trade tensions. Noah Prescott 04/02/2025 3:00 pm
Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Shara, will meet Turkish President Erdogan in Ankara to discuss Syria-Turkey relations. This is their first meeting since al-Shara, a rebel leader, ousted Bashar al-Assad. Turkey, hosting over three million Syrian refugees, seeks stability to prevent further refugee influxes and supports Syrian armed groups. Al-Shara needs Turkey’s support to unify Syria, revive its economy, and form a national army. Turkey views a Kurdish-led militia as a security threat and has military posts in Syria. Ava Sinclair 04/02/2025 3:00 pm
An Israeli military operation in Jenin, West Bank, has turned the refugee camp into a ghost town, with destruction unseen in over 20 years. The raid targets Iranian-backed militants, leading to mass evacuations as residents fled with minimal belongings. Israeli forces demolished infrastructure and buildings, causing significant damage. The UN warns the actions could undermine the Gaza ceasefire and escalate tensions. The operation follows a ceasefire in Israel’s conflict with Hamas in Gaza, with Jenin now largely deserted and heavily damaged. Penelope Kingsley 04/02/2025 3:00 pm
