Hamas reportedly approved a list of 34 hostages for a potential exchange in a ceasefire deal, contingent on Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. However, Israel denied receiving such a list. Negotiations continue over the identities of Palestinian prisoners to be released in exchange. Talks in Doha have shown little progress, with US and Israeli officials involved. Hamas increased pressure by releasing a video of hostage Liri Albag, prompting her family to urge Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to pursue a ceasefire deal. Noah Prescott 05/01/2025 11:30 pm
Sister Inah Canabarro, a 117-year-old nun from Brazil, is now the world’s oldest living person, as confirmed by LongeviQuest. Born in 1908, she attributes her longevity to her Catholic faith. Despite a frail childhood, she became a nun as a teenager and was honored by Pope Francis on her 110th birthday. A devoted soccer fan, she celebrates her birthday annually with local club Inter. Canabarro succeeded Japan’s Tomiko Itooka as the oldest living person. Ava Sinclair 05/01/2025 11:30 pm
Austria faces a political crisis after coalition talks to exclude the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) failed. President Alexander van der Bellen plans to meet FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl, amid speculation the party might form a government. The FPÖ, known for its pro-Kremlin and anti-Islam stance, narrowly won September’s elections. Kickl, controversial for his Nazi rhetoric and anti-migrant slogans, demands to be chancellor. The center-right People’s Party (ÖVP) may consider a coalition with the FPÖ after leader Karl Nehammer announced his resignation, despite previous resistance to Kickl’s leadership. Noah Prescott 05/01/2025 8:00 pm
Heavy snow in Wales and northern England caused significant travel disruptions as the new year began. The Met Office issued an amber warning for snow in northern England and multiple yellow warnings for snow, ice, and rain across the UK. Airports in Leeds, Manchester, and Liverpool temporarily closed runways, while roads and rail services faced closures and delays. Snow drifts accumulated, especially on higher ground, with Bingley, West Yorkshire, recording 17cm. Some rural areas risked being cut off, and police reported vehicle collisions in Cumbria. Penelope Kingsley 05/01/2025 8:00 pm
Ukraine launched a counterattack in Russia’s Kursk region, using tanks and armored vehicles. The offensive aims to halt Russian advances and comes as both sides seek leverage before US President-elect Trump’s inauguration. Pro-Kremlin bloggers report intense fighting, with Russia acknowledging pressure but claiming to fight back. Ukrainian officials remain tight-lipped, with some expressing satisfaction at the counteroffensive. Ava Sinclair 05/01/2025 8:00 pm
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz responded to Elon Musk’s insults by advising, “Don’t feed the troll.” Scholz, speaking to Stern, noted that criticism from wealthy media figures is not new for Social Democrats. He dismissed engaging with Musk, who supports the far-right AfD in upcoming elections. Scholz emphasized not letting social media owners influence elections. Musk has used his platform to back far-right parties and criticize center-left leaders, including calling Scholz a “fool” after a coalition collapse. Musk also commented on UK politics, suggesting King Charles dissolve parliament. Ava Sinclair 05/01/2025 8:00 pm
Syria’s new Islamist rulers urged the U.S. to lift sanctions, citing them as obstacles to recovery, during a visit to Qatar. Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani emphasized the sanctions now harm the Syrian people rather than the Assad regime. Shibani, joined by other Syrian officials, discussed future plans with Qatari leaders, aiming to rebuild Syria, restore relations, and prevent foreign interference. Qatar, which previously supported the opposition, is seen as a partner in Syria’s new phase. Shibani plans further visits to the UAE and Jordan to bolster stability and economic recovery. Ava Sinclair 05/01/2025 8:00 pm
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visited Donald Trump at his Florida golf club, where Trump praised her leadership. The visit occurred before Meloni’s meeting with Joe Biden in Rome. Potential members of Trump’s future administration, including Marco Rubio, attended. The group watched a documentary about Trump’s former lawyer, John Eastman. Meloni reportedly discussed the case of detained Italian journalist Cecilia Sala and other issues like the Ukraine war and US-EU tariffs. This was Meloni’s second meeting with Trump since his election win. Ava Sinclair 05/01/2025 4:30 pm
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s security chief, Park Chong-jun, refused to cooperate with Yoon’s arrest efforts, citing legal debates over the warrant. Yoon faces arrest for insurrection after attempting to declare martial law, leading to his impeachment and suspension. A Seoul court rejected claims that the warrant was illegal. The situation has heightened political tensions, with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visiting Seoul for talks. Ava Sinclair 05/01/2025 4:30 pm
Sumaya Ainaya spent weekends on Mount Qasioun overlooking Damascus, enjoying leisure activities with fellow Syrians. After the Syrian civil war began in 2011, the military closed the mountain to civilians, using it for military operations. Following a recent rebel victory, Ainaya and her family returned to the mountain, symbolizing a reclaiming of spaces and freedoms lost under Assad’s regime. Syrians across the country are now embracing areas and liberties previously restricted, feeling a renewed sense of ownership over their homeland. Ava Sinclair 05/01/2025 1:00 pm
