Australia has pledged the “strongest action possible” if Russia harmed Oscar Jenkins, an Australian captured fighting for Ukraine. Reports suggest Jenkins, who was seen in a video being questioned by Russian forces, may have been killed. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed grave concern and is seeking urgent clarification. The government has contacted the Russian ambassador but hasn’t specified potential actions. Jenkins, reportedly part of an international brigade, was shown in a video with bound hands, struggling to respond to questions. Noah Prescott 15/01/2025 2:30 pm
Since May, Gaza’s “humanitarian zone,” designated by Israel for civilian safety, has faced 97 strikes, with over 550 reported deaths. Despite IDF claims of targeting Hamas fighters using civilians as shields, the area remains densely populated and infrastructure-limited. Ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas are reportedly nearing a breakthrough. The conflict, sparked by Hamas’s October 2023 attack, has caused extensive damage and significant casualties in Gaza. BBC Verify notes intensified attacks in the zone, though not all are confirmed as IDF actions. Noah Prescott 15/01/2025 11:00 am
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese vowed strong action if Russia harmed Oscar Jenkins, an Australian captured while fighting for Ukraine. Video showed Jenkins, a Melbourne teacher, being interrogated by Russians. Australia seeks urgent clarification on his status amid reports of his death. Albanese emphasized the gravity of the situation, while political scientist Zareh Ghazarian suggested potential diplomatic actions, including expelling ambassadors and imposing sanctions. Opposition leader Peter Dutton echoed calls for strong measures if Jenkins was killed, advocating for ambassadorial expulsions. Penelope Kingsley 15/01/2025 11:00 am
In his final foreign policy address, President Joe Biden highlighted strengthened American alliances, successful NATO relations, and a robust stance against adversaries like Russia and China. He emphasized leaving a strong foundation for his successor, Donald Trump. Biden noted progress towards a Gaza ceasefire, stressing humanitarian aid and security for Israel. He also celebrated NATO allies increasing defense spending and his administration’s role in supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression. Biden asserted that the US would remain the world’s dominant power, ensuring China would not surpass it. Noah Prescott 15/01/2025 11:00 am
Palestinians and Israelis are cautiously optimistic about a potential ceasefire deal in Gaza and the release of hostages after 15 months of conflict. Talks in Doha, mediated by Qatar, are reportedly focused on final details, with both sides expressing satisfaction. An Israeli official noted “real progress,” and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said a deal is “right on the brink.” Residents in Gaza, like 17-year-old Sanabel, express hope but remain wary due to past experiences of violence preceding agreements. Ava Sinclair 15/01/2025 11:00 am
As a TikTok ban looms, the Chinese app RedNote, or Xiaohongshu, has surged in popularity in the US, becoming the top iPhone download. This has sparked a cultural exchange, with Chinese users welcoming Americans and seeking help with English homework. The hashtag #TikTokRefugee has gained traction, with guides for new users. Posts offering homework assistance and cultural insights have gone viral, highlighting the East-meets-West interaction. Ava Sinclair 15/01/2025 11:00 am
As the US Supreme Court considers TikTok’s future, American users are flocking to Xiaohongshu, a Chinese social media app. Known as “Little Red Book” or “RedNote,” it topped Apple’s US App Store. Founded in 2013, Xiaohongshu is popular for travel, makeup, and fashion tips. Its US downloads tripled recently, with over 700,000 new users in two days. The hashtag “TikTok refugee” has 250 million views, as users protest against a potential TikTok ban. Ava Sinclair 15/01/2025 7:30 am
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has vowed strong action against Russia if it’s confirmed that Russian forces killed Melbourne teacher Oscar Jenkins, who volunteered in Ukraine. The Australian government is urgently investigating, with Foreign Minister Penny Wong considering diplomatic responses, including expelling the Russian ambassador. Jenkins was reportedly seen in a video being interrogated by Russian-speaking individuals. Australia has a strained history with Russia, notably due to the 2022 Ukraine invasion and the 2014 MH17 incident. Albanese and Wong expressed grave concerns and solidarity with Jenkins’s family. Penelope Kingsley 15/01/2025 7:30 am
French Prime Minister François Bayrou proposed a three-month negotiation period for raising the retirement age from 62 to 64, aiming to buy time for his minority government. This plan involves trade and employer unions discussing the changes within strict financial guidelines. Bayrou seeks to avoid the fate of his predecessor by navigating a fractured parliament and potential no-confidence votes. If negotiations fail, the retirement age will remain unchanged. Socialist Party leaders agreed to negotiate, indicating a temporary reprieve for Bayrou’s government. Ava Sinclair 15/01/2025 7:30 am
The Treasury is under intense scrutiny due to the controversy surrounding former Economic Secretary Tulip Siddiq. She was implicated in a corruption investigation by Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission, which alleges her family embezzled up to £3.9bn. Despite Siddiq’s insistence of innocence and the prime minister’s adviser finding no breach of the ministerial code, the situation remains politically sensitive. Her role involved tackling economic crime, making the allegations particularly awkward. The case highlights the importance of perception in politics, where unanswered questions can lead to damaging headlines. Ava Sinclair 15/01/2025 7:30 am
