“Putricia,” a corpse flower at Sydney’s Botanic Gardens, gained fame for its rotting flesh odor. Known scientifically as amorphophallus titanum, it bloomed, attracting 1.5 million livestream views and 20,000 visitors. The flower’s scent, likened to “dead rat,” aims to attract pollinators. With crimson petals and a towering stalk, it blooms rarely and briefly. Staff were surprised by its popularity, with a strong online community following its growth. Noah Prescott 24/01/2025 12:00 pm
Axel Rudakubana, 18, was sentenced to 52 years in prison for fatally stabbing three girls at a Taylor Swift-themed event in Southport, UK. He pleaded guilty to all charges, including three counts of murder, attempted murder, and possession of a knife. The attack killed Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe, and Alice Da Silva Aguiar, and injured ten others. Rudakubana also faced terror charges for possessing a jihadi manual and producing ricin. Judge Julian Goose described the crime as “extreme” and “shocking,” stating Rudakubana may never be released. Penelope Kingsley 24/01/2025 8:30 am
In 2025, North Korea plans to supply Russia with 150 KN-23 missiles and artillery systems, with North Koreans training Russians on their use, according to Ukraine’s military intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov. North Korea may also send infantry to the Kursk region, though not in large numbers. Recently, North Korea delivered artillery systems and rocket launchers to Russia, with more expected. North Korean troops reportedly use “human wave” tactics in Ukraine, posing new challenges. Satellite images and videos suggest North Korean troop presence in Russia’s Far East. Penelope Kingsley 24/01/2025 8:30 am
Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit Central America, including Panama, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic, marking his first trip as the top US diplomat. The visit aligns with President Trump’s focus on curbing migration to the US. Rubio aims to address migration, economic, and supply chain issues, and may discuss the Darién Gap, a key migration route. The trip underscores the administration’s priorities in the region, emphasizing safety and economic prosperity. It’s unclear if the Panama Canal’s control will be discussed. Penelope Kingsley 24/01/2025 5:01 am
Three years into the Ukraine conflict, Putin publicly claims success, citing GDP growth and military achievements. However, Russia’s economy is heavily reliant on military spending, with consumer sectors stagnant amid high inflation. Despite war fatigue, public support for the military operation remains high. Yet, Russia’s geopolitical influence is waning, and NATO’s presence is closer than ever, contradicting Putin’s goals. The Kremlin maintains societal control, but the loss of soft power and strained international relations suggest underlying instability. Ava Sinclair 24/01/2025 5:01 am
Less than 24 hours after President Trump took office, Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Indo-Pacific allies, focusing on America’s stance against China. Trump’s inaugural address emphasized military strength and territorial expansion, marking a shift in U.S. foreign policy. Rubio reiterated that U.S. foreign policy would prioritize national interests, signaling a new era that allies and adversaries must adapt to. Ava Sinclair 24/01/2025 5:01 am
The International Criminal Court’s chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, requested arrest warrants for Afghan Taliban leaders Hibatullah Akhunzada and Abdul Hakim Haqqani for crimes against humanity, citing gender-based persecution. The Taliban’s repression of women and the LGBTQI+ community since 2021 includes education bans and public space restrictions. Human rights groups praised the move, highlighting the lack of justice in Afghanistan. This marks the first time the ICC considers attacks on the LGBTQ+ community as crimes against humanity. Khan’s focus on Taliban crimes drew criticism for deprioritizing other investigations. Noah Prescott 24/01/2025 5:01 am
Owen Zhu, a Chinese realtor in Bangkok, was moved by witnessing 300 same-sex marriages at Siam Paragon, expressing hope for broader Asian acceptance. Thailand’s Marriage Equality Law, passed last year, redefines marriage terms to include “two individuals” and “spouses,” expanding rights in marriage, adoption, healthcare, and inheritance. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra encouraged registrations, and former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin celebrated the milestone. Despite Thailand’s progress, same-sex marriage remains illegal in most of Asia. Amnesty International praised the law as a “landmark moment” for LGBTQ rights. Ava Sinclair 24/01/2025 1:30 am
Judge Monica Boni delivered a verdict in an empty courtroom, with only reporters and guards present. Patrick Lumumba, falsely accused by Amanda Knox, expressed disappointment over her lack of apology. Lumumba’s lawyer, Carlo Pacelli, felt satisfied with the verdict, viewing Lumumba as a secondary victim. Knox, pressured by police, maintained her innocence, stating she was not a liar. Her case, a high-profile murder trial, saw her and Raffaele Sollecito’s convictions overturned. Knox, now in the U.S., sought to clear her name, with a 2019 European court ruling supporting her unfair treatment claim. Penelope Kingsley 24/01/2025 1:30 am
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit Panama, Guatemala, El Salvador, Dominican Republic, and Costa Rica, marking his first overseas trip. This visit aligns with President Trump’s focus on immigration and his controversial comments about reclaiming the Panama Canal, which have angered Panama. Trump accused Panama of breaking promises and ceding canal operations to China, claims Panama denies. Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino asserted the canal’s sovereignty and alerted the UN about Trump’s remarks. The trip underscores the importance of U.S. relations with Central and South America. Penelope Kingsley 23/01/2025 10:00 pm
