Donald Trump’s confrontation with Ukraine’s President Zelensky at the White House has prompted Europe to reassess its defense strategies amid concerns over U.S. support against Russian aggression. This shift is marked by Germany’s decision to scrap its “debt brake,” allowing significant defense spending, potentially unlocking €600 billion over the next decade. This move, described as a “game-changer,” reflects a broader European shift towards self-reliance in defense, with France considering extending its nuclear protection to allies. Noah Prescott 30/03/2025 10:30 am
Suspected U.S. airstrikes hit Yemen overnight, reportedly killing at least one person, targeting Houthi-controlled areas including Sanaa. The strikes, part of a broader campaign under President Trump, appear more extensive than those under President Biden, shifting focus from launch sites to personnel and urban areas. Satellite images reveal a new airstrip near Yemen, potentially for B-2 bombers. The strikes, which also hit al-Jawf and Saada, killed one and injured four, according to Houthi media. Noah Prescott 30/03/2025 10:30 am
The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences apologized for not initially acknowledging Hamdan Ballal by name after he was attacked by Israeli settlers. The Academy faced criticism for its initial response, which many felt was inadequate. Over 600 members, including notable actors, signed a letter urging a stronger stance. Academy leaders later issued a new statement condemning violence and supporting free speech. Ballal, detained for over 20 hours, denied allegations of stone-throwing and described the attack’s brutality. Ava Sinclair 30/03/2025 7:00 am
Pope Francis has shown significant improvement after returning to the Vatican following a severe bout with double pneumonia, according to Dr. Sergio Alfieri. Despite initial frailty, his voice is regaining strength, and reliance on supplemental oxygen has decreased. The pope’s limited arm mobility is due to a prior trauma. Hospitalized on February 14 with bronchitis that developed into double pneumonia, his condition was complex due to age and past lung surgery. A critical treatment was necessary, risking organ damage, but no extraordinary measures were taken. Penelope Kingsley 30/03/2025 7:00 am
Hundreds of thousands protested in Istanbul against the jailing of Ekrem Imamoglu, the city’s mayor and a key opposition figure. His arrest on corruption charges is seen as politically motivated, sparking major demonstrations against President Erdogan. The CHP, which nominated Imamoglu for the presidential race, organized the “Freedom for Imamoglu” rally. CHP leader Ozgur Ozel claimed 2.2 million attended, though this is unverified. Imamoglu addressed the crowd via a letter, urging unity and denouncing his arrest as unlawful. Ava Sinclair 30/03/2025 7:00 am
Ukrainian and US officials are negotiating temporary ceasefires concerning Black Sea operations and energy infrastructure strikes, but terms remain unsettled. Ukraine’s Ministry of Energy noted a discrepancy between the US-Ukraine list of protected facilities and Russia’s demands, with Russia excluding Ukrainian oil and gas sites from protection. Ukrainian President Zelensky announced that Defense Minister Umerov will present evidence of Russian ceasefire violations to US officials. The exact terms of the ceasefire are still unclear, with no official trilateral agreement released yet. Ava Sinclair 30/03/2025 7:00 am
On Day 540 of the conflict, artifacts of a hostage’s body were found in Gaza, and Israeli troops there faced mortar fire for the first time since new maneuvers began. Hamas tortured a protest leader, while weapons smuggling was thwarted at the Jordan and Egypt borders. Rocket fire from Lebanon targeted Israeli towns, prompting the IDF to strike Beirut for the first time since November. Heavy bombing occurred in Yemen, and Iran issued threats against the U.S. Meanwhile, 59 hostages remain captive in Gaza, with 147 rescued and 35 confirmed murdered. The conflict has resulted in 1,828 Israeli deaths and significant displacement. Penelope Kingsley 30/03/2025 7:00 am
Eid-ul-Fitr 2025 is anticipated to be celebrated on March 30 or 31, depending on the crescent moon sighting. In India, it’s a gazetted holiday on March 31. The UAE expects Eid on March 31, with a three-day holiday declared. In Saudi Arabia, the celebration depends on moon sighting, with the Supreme Court urging citizens to report sightings. The festival marks the end of Ramadan and is celebrated on different days worldwide due to varying moon sightings. Ava Sinclair 30/03/2025 12:00 am
A Russian drone strike in Dnipro, Ukraine, killed at least four people and injured 22, causing fires that damaged homes and buildings. In Kryvyi Rih, a missile strike injured seven. Ukraine’s air force reported 172 Russian drones launched, with 94 intercepted. President Zelenskyy criticized Russia’s actions and emphasized the need for international pressure and support. Russia claimed to have downed five Ukrainian drones. Noah Prescott 30/03/2025 12:00 am
Hamas has accepted a Gaza ceasefire proposal from Egypt and Qatar, hoping Israel will not undermine it. The proposal includes releasing five Israeli hostages weekly. Israel has responded with a counter-proposal in coordination with the U.S. The first ceasefire phase began on January 19, halting fighting and exchanging hostages and prisoners. The second phase aims to release remaining hostages and withdraw Israeli troops. Hamas insists on maintaining its arsenal, rejecting disarmament calls from Israel and the U.S. Israel has yet to confirm agreement to the ceasefire. Ava Sinclair 30/03/2025 12:00 am
