The British government is backing an initiative to make the Netflix drama “Adolescence” available in all UK high schools. The show, which addresses issues like knife crime and toxic masculinity, will be accompanied by guides for teachers and parents. Prime Minister Keir Starmer supports the initiative, emphasizing the importance of open discussions about contemporary challenges. The decision follows a roundtable with charities and the show’s creators. “Adolescence” tells the story of a family dealing with their son’s arrest for murder, highlighting the need for dialogue on youth issues. Penelope Kingsley 31/03/2025 6:00 pm
In Karachi, Pakistan, 61-year-old widow Sayani Soomar resorts to begging for zakat, an Islamic charity, to cover her expenses after quitting her housekeeping job due to knee pain. During Ramadan, she seeks donations, as generosity increases during this holy month. Soomar, accompanied by her granddaughter, plans to return to Qazi Ahmed after Eid. Karachi sees a migration of tens of thousands seeking alms during Ramadan. Faisal Edhi of the Edhi Foundation notes that many “habitual” beggars travel to Karachi for charity and return home afterward. 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 Dovilė Šakalienė 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. Šakalienė 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
