NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized that Russia must act more swiftly to end the war in Ukraine, echoing U.S. sentiments that Moscow needs to do more. Rutte praised the U.S. and NATO allies for their unified efforts to counter Russian aggression and end the conflict. He highlighted ongoing communication with U.S. officials and criticized Russia’s lack of commitment to peace efforts, noting that Russia has not agreed to a proposed 30-day ceasefire, citing unresolved issues. Noah Prescott 04/04/2025 8:00 pm
European NATO allies and Canada are open to increasing defense spending but are hesitant about U.S. demands for larger military budgets, especially given President Trump’s approach to Russia. Despite increased spending since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, nearly a third of NATO members still don’t meet the 2% GDP target. Trump has urged allies to spend at least 5%, a significant increase. The U.S. spent 3.38% last year, the only ally with decreased spending over the decade. Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly emphasized the need for consensus on Russia as a threat. Noah Prescott 04/04/2025 4:30 pm
Tensions between Israel and Turkey over influence in Syria are challenging Syria’s new government. Israel bombed Syrian military targets, accusing Turkey of a “negative role” and warning Syria’s interim president against allowing hostile forces. Turkey is negotiating a defense pact with Syria and moving military assets there. Relations between Israel and Turkey have worsened since the Gaza war, with Turkey accusing Israel of destabilizing the region. Despite tensions, both Turkey and Syria’s new leader express reluctance for confrontation with Israel. Ava Sinclair 04/04/2025 4:30 pm
The Israeli military has intensified its operations in Gaza, with Prime Minister Netanyahu announcing a shift in strategy to seize more territory. Israel aims to pressure Hamas into revised ceasefire terms, escalating airstrikes and ground activities. Recent strikes have killed at least 86 people in 24 hours, raising the death toll to 1,249 since March 18. A significant strike in Khan Younis killed 19, including women and children. The IDF is expanding operations in northern Gaza, dismantling Hamas infrastructure and allowing civilians to leave combat zones. Netanyahu emphasized increasing pressure until hostages are released. Ava Sinclair 04/04/2025 4:30 pm
Russell Brand faces charges of rape, indecent assault, and sexual assault involving four women between 1999 and 2005. Following a 2023 investigation by the Sunday Times, the Times, and Channel 4’s Dispatches, Brand, who denies the allegations, has been interviewed by police. Incidents occurred in Bournemouth and Westminster. Brand is due in Westminster Magistrates’ Court on May 2 but is believed to be in the U.S. Authorities may seek extradition if he doesn’t cooperate. The investigation remains open, with support for victims ongoing. Ava Sinclair 04/04/2025 4:30 pm
U.S. President Donald Trump expressed strong support for French far-right politician Marine Le Pen, criticizing the court decision that disqualified her from the French presidency. Trump condemned the ruling as a “Witch Hunt” and likened it to his own legal challenges. Despite Trump’s claims, Le Pen’s prison sentence is on hold pending appeal, and she won’t serve time behind bars. Trump compared Le Pen’s trial for embezzling EU funds to his own legal issues, calling it a minor charge and a “bookkeeping” error, and criticized its impact on France. Ava Sinclair 04/04/2025 1:00 pm
Myanmar’s junta chief met with leaders of India and Thailand at the BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok, discussing earthquake recovery. Indian PM Modi urged a permanent ceasefire amid Myanmar’s civil war. The junta announced a temporary ceasefire until April 22. The U.N. criticized the junta for restricting aid to quake-hit areas. The earthquake death toll reached 3,145, with over 4,500 injured. The U.N. is investigating 53 attacks by the junta, including airstrikes, with 16 occurring after an April 2 ceasefire. Penelope Kingsley 04/04/2025 1:00 pm
Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited NATO’s headquarters amid tensions from President Trump’s policies, including pulling aid from Ukraine and imposing tariffs on the EU. European leaders were concerned about Trump’s direct negotiations with Moscow and his interest in acquiring Greenland. Rubio avoided addressing the tariffs and Greenland issues directly. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen objected to Trump’s Greenland ambitions, calling it an attack on Danish sovereignty. Despite these tensions, Rubio and Rasmussen discussed NATO priorities, including defense spending and threats from Russia and China. Noah Prescott 04/04/2025 9:30 am
Yvon Castel, a long-time National Rally supporter, criticizes Marine Le Pen’s response to a court ruling barring her from the 2027 elections due to embezzlement charges. Le Pen’s call for protests and attacks on judges have not resonated well, especially after threats against the lead judge. President Macron condemned these threats. Polls indicate most French citizens support the court’s decision, with 65% “not shocked” by the verdict. Le Pen’s strategy risks alienating voters who respect the judiciary, challenging her broader appeal. Penelope Kingsley 04/04/2025 9:30 am
Two men were rescued from rubble in Myanmar over five days after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake. The rescues in Mandalay and Sagaing offer hope amid devastation, with over 3,000 dead and thousands injured. The military government announced a temporary ceasefire to aid recovery. Humanitarian groups stress urgent aid is needed, especially in remote areas. Hospitals are overwhelmed, using makeshift tents for critical care. The ceasefire’s status remains uncertain. Penelope Kingsley 04/04/2025 9:30 am
