More than a dozen aid workers’ bodies were found in a “mass grave” in southern Gaza, a week after Israeli forces’ attacks. Eight were Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) members, five civil defense, and one a UN employee. PRCS condemned the attacks as a “war crime.” Israel claimed ambulances were used by militants. The UN and aid groups expressed outrage, calling it the deadliest incident for IFRC workers in a decade. A complex rescue operation unearthed the bodies, highlighting the dangers faced by health workers in conflict zones. Ava Sinclair 31/03/2025 6:00 pm
President Trump’s appointment of Lt. Gen. John Daniel Caine as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff surprised many, as Caine lacked experience leading a military branch or major command. Concerns arose about whether Caine had politically maneuvered for the role. Retired Gen. David L. Goldfein, after discussing with Caine, was reassured of his professionalism and learned Caine was inspired by a biblical passage to accept the position. Noah Prescott 31/03/2025 6:00 pm
Three U.S. Army soldiers from the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, were found dead after their vehicle submerged in a Lithuanian peat bog during a training exercise. A fourth soldier remains missing. The incident occurred on March 25 while attempting to repair and tow another vehicle. The soldiers were part of Operation Atlantic Resolve and stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia. Recovery efforts, involving U.S. and Lithuanian forces, continue for the missing soldier. The 63-ton vehicle was retrieved after a six-day operation. Penelope Kingsley 31/03/2025 6:00 pm
The UK is hosting a two-day international summit to address illegal migration, with over 40 countries participating. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer aims to disrupt people-smuggling networks and enhance international cooperation. The Home Office announced £33m to combat smuggling. Delegates from countries like Vietnam, Albania, and Iraq, as well as organizations like Interpol and social media companies, will attend. The summit seeks to strengthen UK borders and reduce the burden on public services, emphasizing international collaboration to tackle the $10bn criminal trade. Penelope Kingsley 31/03/2025 2:30 pm
An explosion at the Cerredo mine in Degaña, Asturias, northern Spain, has resulted in at least five deaths and two missing individuals. The blast occurred around 09:30 local time, prompting emergency services to respond to a “problem with a machine.” Four others were injured and taken to hospitals. Rescue efforts, including a canine unit, are underway. The mine, previously closed in 2018, was being used to extract minerals for graphite production. Asturias’ President declared two days of mourning, and Spain’s Prime Minister expressed condolences. Penelope Kingsley 31/03/2025 2:30 pm
A U.S. armored vehicle missing in Lithuania was found in a swamp after six days, but the fate of the four American soldiers inside remains unknown. Lithuanian Defense Minister DovilÄ— Å akalienÄ— confirmed the vehicle’s retrieval and ongoing investigations by Lithuanian Military Police and U.S. investigators. The soldiers, from the 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, disappeared during a training exercise at the General Silvestras Žukauskas training ground. Å akalienÄ— emphasized the situation’s sensitivity and stated that the U.S. Army will provide updates on the soldiers’ status. Ava Sinclair 31/03/2025 2:30 pm
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appointed former naval chief Vice-Admiral Eli Sharvit as the new head of Shin Bet, surprising many as Sharvit is an outsider to the agency and IDF ground forces. The appointment, pending a High Court petition, won’t take effect before April 8. Sharvit, previously unknown to Shin Bet insiders, served 36 years in the Israeli Navy, leading maritime defense and operations against regional threats. Despite being unexpected, Sharvit’s record shows no signs of ideological disruption. He will also assist in reviewing lessons from the October 7 attack. Noah Prescott 31/03/2025 11:00 am
In SNL’s cold open, top Trump figures mistakenly join a high school girls’ text chain. Andrew Dismukes as Pete Hegseth disrupts with military talk, referencing a Yemen raid. The skit mocks recent government blunders, including JD Vance’s Greenland trip and ICE deportations. Bowen Yang as Vance humorously comments on his confusing Greenland visit. Noah Prescott 31/03/2025 11:00 am
The Israeli military issued evacuation orders for most of Rafah in Gaza, signaling a potential major ground operation. Israel ended its ceasefire with Hamas, cutting off supplies to pressure the group into truce changes. Evacuations coincide with Eid al-Fitr, a significant Muslim holiday. Previously, Israel seized a strategic corridor in Rafah, defying a ceasefire agreement. Israel demands Hamas release hostages and disarm, conditions Hamas rejects. Prime Minister Netanyahu stated Israel would oversee Gaza’s security post-conflict. Penelope Kingsley 31/03/2025 11:00 am
Sheerah Escudero’s brother was a victim of Duterte’s drug war. Duterte’s arrest by the ICC brought some comfort, but Escudero and others seeking justice face online harassment from Duterte supporters. They are accused of being liars and paid to malign Duterte. False claims about the ICC’s jurisdiction and pro-Duterte ads have surged. Human rights groups report increased harassment. Duterte’s representatives haven’t commented. The online attacks echo the 2016 campaign that helped Duterte’s rise, spreading disinformation and targeting opponents. Penelope Kingsley 31/03/2025 7:30 am
