Israel is sending Mossad chief David Barnea to Qatar to advance ceasefire-for-hostages negotiations in Gaza, signaling potential progress. The delegation includes key Israeli security officials. Prime Minister Netanyahu faces pressure from both current and incoming US administrations to secure a deal. Despite ongoing conflict and past deadlocks, the Hostages Families Forum sees this as a “historic opportunity” for hostage release. Israel’s war on Hamas continues, with significant casualties on both sides since the October 7, 2023, attacks. Penelope Kingsley 11/01/2025 11:00 pm
Ukraine has captured and is questioning two wounded North Korean soldiers from Russia’s Kursk region, marking the first confirmed detainment of North Korean troops aiding Russia. President Zelensky stated that these soldiers are receiving medical care and journalists will be granted access to them. The capture provides evidence of North Korea’s involvement in the war, with Ukraine estimating 11,000 North Korean troops deployed. Photos show the soldiers in detention, potentially offering intelligence on Pyongyang-Moscow collaboration. Penelope Kingsley 11/01/2025 11:00 pm
Politicians often break promises, but Donald Trump, the US president-elect, is unique in that many hope he won’t keep his. His provocative statements about subjugating Canada, annexing Greenland, and overriding Panama’s sovereignty are often dismissed as unserious. However, this dismissal might be a mistake. Trump, known for his disruptive style, could be posturing for negotiations or genuinely serious. If serious, he follows a discredited path of American imperialism, reminiscent of the late 19th and early 20th centuries when the US aggressively expanded its influence, exemplified by the annexation of Hawaii. Penelope Kingsley 11/01/2025 7:30 pm
US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff is set to meet Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza. Witkoff recently met Qatar’s PM to address regional developments. Efforts are underway to secure a deal before Trump’s inauguration on January 20. CIA Director William Burns confirmed serious negotiations are ongoing, with hopes of reaching an agreement soon. Hamas has provided a list of 34 Israeli captives for a potential prisoner exchange, though Israel awaits confirmation of their status. Optimism grows for a ceasefire and hostage release. Noah Prescott 11/01/2025 7:30 pm
Germany is towing the stranded tanker Eventin, part of Russia’s “shadow fleet,” away from its northern coast to prevent an oil spill. The 274-meter vessel, carrying nearly 100,000 tonnes of oil from Russia to Egypt, lost engine power. Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock criticized Russia’s use of “dilapidated oil tankers” to evade sanctions, calling it a security threat. Three tugs are guiding the tanker to safer waters amid rough seas. No oil leaks have been detected, and the ship is expected to reach a safer area by mid-morning. Noah Prescott 11/01/2025 7:30 pm
Ukrainian President Zelensky announced the capture of two North Korean soldiers in Russia’s Kursk region, marking Ukraine’s first live capture of North Korean troops. The soldiers, wounded but alive, were transported to Kyiv for interrogation by the Ukrainian Security Service. This event highlights North Korea’s involvement, with around 11,000 troops reportedly in Kursk. The SBU released a video showing the soldiers in custody, confirming they are treated according to international law, with communication facilitated by Korean interpreters. Penelope Kingsley 11/01/2025 7:30 pm
Caroline Darian, daughter of Gisèle Pelicot, suspects she was drugged and possibly raped by her father, Dominique Pelicot, who was convicted alongside 50 others for sexual crimes against Gisèle. The trial, which concluded with 51 guilty verdicts, highlighted systemic misogyny in France and spurred demands for change in addressing gender-based violence. Darian described the emotional burden of being related to both victim and perpetrator and expressed her wish for her father to die in prison. She lamented the lack of evidence for many victims, leading to disbelief and lack of support. Penelope Kingsley 11/01/2025 4:00 pm
Elon Musk endorsed Germany’s far-right AfD party, calling its co-leader Alice Weidel “very reasonable” and urging Germans to vote for change. He compared Germany’s political climate to the U.S., referencing Trump’s election. Musk claimed Trump would quickly resolve Russia’s war in Ukraine, with Weidel expressing hope for U.S. intervention. Weidel criticized Germany’s treatment of Trump and claimed AfD protects Jewish people against “Muslim crime.” Musk’s political involvement has drawn criticism from European leaders amid Trump’s anticipated return to the White House. Penelope Kingsley 11/01/2025 4:00 pm
Ahead of Donald Trump’s inauguration, Congress is advancing immigration legislation. The Senate moved forward with a bill named after a Georgia nursing student killed by an undocumented immigrant, with bipartisan support. The bill allows for detainment and potential deportation of undocumented immigrants charged with theft and empowers states to sue the federal government over immigration enforcement. Trump is also planning executive actions, including reinstating Title 42, enhancing local law enforcement collaboration with ICE, building more border walls, and expanding migrant holding facilities. Noah Prescott 11/01/2025 12:30 pm
Donald Trump has been vocal on foreign policy, making bold threats and promises, such as dealing with Hamas, seizing the Panama Canal, annexing Canada, and ending the Ukraine war. His lack of decorum and outlandish statements are unsurprising, but the outrage they provoke only fuels his supporters. It’s crucial to understand the origins and potential consequences of his remarks, which often seem impractical, like involving American troops in conflicts better handled by local forces. Ava Sinclair 11/01/2025 12:30 pm
