Thailand has become the first Southeast Asian country to recognize marriage equality, with hundreds of same-sex couples marrying across the nation. The landmark legislation grants same-sex couples full legal, financial, medical, adoption, and inheritance rights. Celebrations included a mass wedding in Bangkok, where couples from diverse backgrounds participated. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra emphasized the law’s significance for gender diversity and equal rights. The event featured a rainbow carpet, performances, and support from the ruling Pheu Thai party, marking a historic victory for the LGBTQ+ community. Penelope Kingsley 23/01/2025 3:00 pm
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte agreed with U.S. President Donald Trump’s demand for increased European defense spending. Rutte acknowledged that Europe, not the U.S., is the issue. Trump’s envoy, Richard Grenell, argued that NATO should not admit Ukraine unless members meet defense spending targets, emphasizing that the U.S. bears the financial burden. Grenell criticized the Netherlands’ defense spending and stressed the need for fair contributions from all NATO members. Ukraine has sought NATO membership amid ongoing conflict with Russia. Ava Sinclair 23/01/2025 3:00 pm
Axel Rudakubana, 18, faces decades in prison for fatally stabbing three girls and wounding others at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport, England. The attack, described as “sadistic,” shocked the nation. Rudakubana, who pleaded guilty to multiple charges including murder and attempted murder, disrupted court proceedings by claiming illness. The attack occurred during a summer class, with Rudakubana armed with a knife, targeting children and their teacher. Video evidence showed the chaos as children fled the scene. Noah Prescott 23/01/2025 3:00 pm
P&O Cruises Australia apologized after crew costumes resembling Ku Klux Klan hoods caused distress during a Christmas event. The crew, dressed as snow cones, unintentionally evoked the KKK’s infamous attire. The incident occurred on a cruise from Melbourne to Tasmania, with footage shared online. P&O quickly addressed the issue, having the crew remove the costumes. The company expressed regret for any offense caused, emphasizing the crew’s unintentional mistake and their immediate apology. Noah Prescott 23/01/2025 3:00 pm
Prince Harry settled with the Rupert Murdoch-owned publisher of The Sun, ending a legal battle over alleged hacking and surveillance. His lawyer emphasized the importance of accountability, criticizing News Group Newspapers for obstructing justice by deleting emails and lying under oath. Harry and Meghan Markle have previously condemned British tabloids for invasive coverage. This case is one of several Harry has pursued against tabloids, with mixed outcomes. Ava Sinclair 23/01/2025 3:00 pm
In Doha, tense negotiations between Hamas and Israeli representatives, mediated by Qatar, the U.S., and Egypt, aimed to halt the Gaza conflict. Despite deep mistrust and disagreements over troop withdrawals and hostage lists, a ceasefire deal was announced. The agreement led to a temporary pause in fighting, with three Israeli hostages and dozens of Palestinian prisoners released, though challenges and delays persisted. Penelope Kingsley 23/01/2025 11:30 am
Maria Isabel Salvador updated ambassadors on Haiti’s political transition amid ongoing gang violence, especially in Port-au-Prince. She emphasized the need for international support to organize constitutional revisions and elections. Despite appointing a new Prime Minister and members to the Provisional Electoral Council, the transition remains fragile due to internal fragmentation and corruption allegations. Armed gangs continue to disrupt security, impacting humanitarian efforts and leading to deadly attacks, including the closure of Port-au-Prince airport. The Haitian National Police, supported by international forces, is responding to the violence. Ava Sinclair 23/01/2025 11:30 am
A rumor of a fire on the Pushpak Express in Maharashtra, India, led to panic, causing passengers to jump off and be hit by another train, resulting in at least 12 deaths. The incident occurred between Maheji and Pardhade stations. Sparks from a “hot axle” or “brake-binding” caused the panic. Indian officials expressed condolences, and compensation will be provided to victims’ families. Despite modernization efforts, India’s aging railway system, dating back to colonial times, continues to experience deadly accidents. Ava Sinclair 23/01/2025 11:30 am
President Donald Trump will deliver a remote speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Thursday. His nationalist policies have been evident since taking office, including actions on immigration, energy, and trade tariffs. Trump has withdrawn the U.S. from the WHO and the Paris climate agreement, proposed renaming the Gulf of Mexico, and threatened to reclaim the Panama Canal. He has also pardoned over 1,500 supporters involved in the Capitol attack. Noah Prescott 23/01/2025 11:30 am
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced plans to invest $600 billion in the U.S. over the next four years. This follows President Trump’s 2017 visit to Saudi Arabia, highlighting close ties between the U.S. and Gulf states. The investments, reported by the Saudi Press Agency, aim to broaden trade and investment, though specifics were not detailed. The U.S. has reduced reliance on Saudi oil, but Saudi investments in American businesses and potential defense systems remain significant. Ava Sinclair 23/01/2025 8:00 am
