Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, U.S. President Joe Biden, and Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador are gathering to meet for the North American Leaders' Summit this week to discuss key problems including trade and immigration. (CBC)
News Updates
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March 4th
2024
Trump wins Colorado ballot disqualification case at US Supreme Court. Apple fined almost $2B by the EU in music streaming antitrust probe.
- The U.S. Supreme Court ruled a major victory for Donald Trump Monday, barring states from disqualifying candidates for federal office under a constitutional provision involving insurrection. Colorado’s exclusion of him in the ballot under the 14th Amendment was reversed; the opinion of the court is that states have no power under the Constitution to enforce Sectoon 3 of the Amendment with respect to federal offices, especially the presidency. (Reuters)
- The European Union leveled its first antitrust penalty on Apple Monday, fining nearly $2 billion USD for breaking the bloc’s competition laws by unfairly favoring its own music streaming service over rivals: the fine is so high as to deter Apple or other tech giants from carrying out similar offenses or dominating digital markets, said the commission. (CBC)
March 3rd
2024
Kamala Harris' blunt Gaza words reflect intense government frustration over war. Haiti violence: State of emergency declared after mass jailbreak.
- In the sharpest rebuke yet by a senior leader in the U.S. government, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris bluntly called out Israel on Sunday for not doing enough to ease a ‘humanitarian catastrophe’ in Gaza, calling for an immediate ceasefire and urges Hamas to accept the Cairo-issued deal to release hostages in return for a 6-week cessation of hostilities. (Reuters)
- Haiti declared a 72-hour state of emergency and night curfew after armed gangs stormed two major Port-au-Prince prisons over the weekend, leading to at least 12 people killed and the release of around 4,000 inmates. Gang leaders state their goal is to force resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who is outside the country. (BBC)
March 2nd
2024
Iranian parliament vote, first since 2022 mass protests, sees a low turnout despite government push. Germany investigates after a recording of its officers discussing aid to Ukraine is leaked in Russia
- Iran held its first parliamentary election Friday since mass 2022 protests over mandatory hijab laws after the death of Mahsa Amini, leading to unofficial reports of low turnout of about 38.5% and persistent calls for a boycott. Iranian voters are divided on whether to vote, with mostly empty polling stations across its capital of Tehran. (Associated Press)
- German authorities Saturday said they were investigating after an 38 minute audio recording was published in Russia in which German officers purportedly discussed support for Ukraine, including the potential use of Taurus missiles, which could be key in countering Russia’s invasion. Chancellor Olaf Scholz stays hesitant to send the missiles, pointing a risk for Germany to become directly involved in the war. (CTV News)
March 1st
2024
Biden says US military to airdrop food and supplies into Gaza. ‘They felt no need to stop the brutality’: Colorado paramedic gets five-year prison term for killing Elijah McClain.
- U.S. President Joe Biden announced Friday of plans to carry out a first military airdrop of food and supplies in to Gaza, a day after deaths of Palestinian queuing for aid. At least 576,000 people— a quarter of the Gaza Strip population including many children, are entering famine according to the 7.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. (Reuters)
- Former Colorado paramedic Peter Cichuniec is convicted of negligent homocide after knowingly injecting massage therapist Elijah McClain with a lethal dose of ketamin in August 2019. Another involved paramedic is set to be convicted in April. (The Guardian)
February 28th
2024
Who will replace Mitch McConnell as the Senate's top Republican? French Senate approves a bill to make abortion a constitutional right.
- Mitch McConell announced Wednesday that following November’s general election, he intends to step down as the longest serving Republican Senate leader— nearly 20 years. McConell had proven key to passing conservative priorities and electing Republicans to Capitol Hill. (BBC)
- France’s Senate adopted a bill Wednesday to enshrine a woman’s right to abortion in the constitution. After its expected approval by three-fifths majority vote in joint parliament, this constitutional enshrining is a ‘historic’ step towards women’s rights. Poland’s 2020 constitutional ruling of restricting women from terminating pregnancies even in cases involving severe fetal deformities has led to protests in the country last year.
February 27th
2024
Taiwan says 5 Chinese coast guard ships entered waters near front-line islands. Trump, Biden win Michigan primaries but Democrats mount Gaza protest vote
- Five Chinese coast guard ships entered prohibited waters around Taiwan’s prohibited frontline islands Kinmen Monday, but promptly left after a warning from Taiwan’s coast guard. Kuan Bi-Ling, head of Taiwan’s Ocean Affairs Council, who also runs the coast guard, says ‘The political significance is high, which is a form of a declaration of sovereignty.’ (NBC News)
- U.S. President Joe Biden easily won the Michigan Democratic primary election Tuesday, but a protest vote by Democrats angry over his support for Israel’s war on Hamas in Gaza exceeded the organizer’s expectations. Donald Trump won Michigan’s Republican primary election by a large margin against his last remaining rival, Nikki Haley. (Reuters)
February 24th
2024
Trump wins South Carolina, beating Nikki Haley in her home state. Israeli officials to meet on proposed pause in Gaza while Cabinet is set to approve plan for Rafah.
- Donald Trump defeated Nikki Haley in the South Carolina primary Republican contest Saturday, winning 59.9% despite his criminal cases. Trump celebrated his victory, dominating all five Republican contests in Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, the US Virgin States and now her home town. Haley has recently notably sharpened her attacks on Trump, questioning his mental acuity and warning he would not win in the November general election against Biden. (Reuters)
- Israeli officials will meet Saturday night with the United States, Qatar, and Egypt as a mediator in search of a potential temporary ceasefire deal in Gaza. Brazil’s president doubles down Saturday on allegations that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians; Israel pushes back the claims, saying its war target only the Palestinian militant group Hamas. (CTV News)
February 23th
2024
Concordia, McGill to take Quebec to court over tuition hikes for out-of-province students. US targets Russia with hundreds of sanctions over Ukraine war, Navalny death.
- McGill and Concordia University, English universities in Montreal, are both launching separate lawsuits against the Quebec government. Due to tuition hikes for out-of-province students and now requiring at least 80% French proficiency for them, both universities have seen a significant decrease in applications and student diversity. Quebec justifies this as preservation of the French language. (CBC)
- The U.S. and UK imposed extensive sanctions Friday against Russia, targeting more than 500 people and entities to mark the second anniversary of Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine and retaliate for Russian opposition leader Navalny. Entities based in China, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Kazakhstan, and Liechtenstein are facing tougher export restrictions for backfilling and evasion of Western sanctions on Russia. (Reuters)
February 21th
2024
Boeing removes head of 737 Max program in wake of safety incidents. Zelenskyy invites Poland’s leaders to border to resolve farmers’ protest affecting flow of weapons.
- Boeing removed executive Ed Clark, head of 737 Max passenger jet program. Though 737 Max is their bestselling plane, it has had repeated problems including fatal crashes and more recently, an dramatic and terrifying emergency door plug blowing off soon after 737 Max 9’s departure in Alaska Airlines. Vice president and 737 Delivery Operations Katie Ringgold will succeed him. (CTV News)
- Ukrainian President invited Polish leaders Wednesday to meet at their shared borders to resolve a blockade by Polish farmers protesting Ukrainian food imports, saying it’s hampered shipment of weapons to Ukrainian soldiers. Polish authorities are concerned after banners at the protest praised Russian President Vladimir Putin and his war against Ukraine. (Associated Press)
February 20th
2024
Alexander Smirnov: FBI source accused of Biden lies 'linked to Russian intelligence'. World Food Program suspends ‘life-saving’ aid deliveries to northern Gaza over security concerns.
- Ex-FBI informant Alexander Smirnov is alleged of false claims including a bribery scheme with President Joe Biden, his son Hunter, and a Ukrainian energy firm, Burisma. Special Counsel David Weiss charged Smirnoff with lying to the FBI, seeking his detention without bail due to ties with Russian Intelligence. (BBC)
- The World Food program suspended ‘life-saving’ aid deliveries to Northern Gaza due the safety concerns involving violence and chaos in the region. The United Nations agency reported Tuesday the thousand of people, including children, were in risk of famine and severely malnourished and that the decision had ‘not been taken lightly.’ (The Independent)
February 17th
2024
Thai tycoon Thaksin tastes freedom in homeland, 15 years after fleeing. Netanyahu halted Gaza truce talks over 'delusional' Hamas demands
- Billionaire former Thailand Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was released on parole on Sunday from a Bangkok hospital, his first day of freedom in 15 years. Thaksin held office until a 2006 military coup and spent the time in a self- imposed exile to dodge jail for corruption and abuse of power. (Reuters)
- As stated by Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli negotiators were sent to Cairo for truce talks as requested by U.S. President Joe Biden but did not come back due to Hamas’s demands being ‘delusional’. Hamas demanded ending the war, releasing prisoners, and control over a holy site in Jerusalem. Netanyahu also said a Palestinian state agreement could only be reached through direct negotiations without preconditions like international dictates. (Reuters)
February 16th
2024
Putin foe Alexei Navalny dies in jail, West holds Russia responsible. Trump must pay $355M for overstating net worth to dupe lenders, NY judge rules in civil fraud case.
- Alexei Navalny, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s fiercest critic and 47-year-old former lawyer fell unconscious and died in a walk in the penal colony in which he was serving for charges of extremism. U.S. President Joe Biden says he is outraged, joining other Western leaders in alleging the death on Putin’s work of political repression. (Reuters)
- New York judge ruled Friday for Former U.S. President Donald Trump and his companies to pay $354.9 million USD for fraudulently overstating his net worth to dupe lenders. Trump is banned from serving as officer or director in any New York corporation for three years; Trump calls this on X, formerly Twitter, a ‘political witch hunt. (CBC)
February 15th
2024
Greece legalises same sex marriage in landmark change. Russia has obtained a 'troubling' emerging anti-satellite weapon, the White House says. Venezuela orders UN human rights office to close, accusing it of anti-government activity.
- After tense debate, Greece’s Parliament passed a bill allowing same-sex civil marriage Thursday, becoming one of the first Orthodox Christian country to do so. This bill confers full parental rights on married partners but exclude surrogacy for gay couples. (Reuters)
- The White House confirmed Thursday that Russia obtained a ‘troubling’ emerging anti-satellite weapon but said it cannot cause physical damage to the Earth, despite concerns on nuclear capability. The weapon is not currently operational; U.S. officials are analyzing and consulting with allies on the matter. (CTV News)
- Venezuela’s government ordered Thursday for the U.N. office on human rights to suspend operations and gave the staff 72 hours to leave, accusing it of assisting coup plotters and twrrorist groups. A U.N. backed panel reported that the government has started a new wave of repression on democratic freedoms ahead of the upcoming presidential election. (Associated Press)
February 14th
2024
Indonesia's Prabowo claims victory after presidential election rout. At least 8 children among 22 hit by gunfire at end of Chiefs' Super Bowl parade; 1 person killed.
- Wednesday unofficial results showed that Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto is leading in the Indonesian presidential election against popular rivals, with about 58% of votes. His campaigns include AI and social media to gain youth following and a softer image. (Reuters)
- 8 children amongst 22 people were hit by gunfire at the end of Wednesday’s parade to celebrate the Kansas City Chiefs’s Super Bowl win, with one DJ shot dead. Three people were taken into custody for further interrogation. (CTV News)
February 13th
2024
US House Republicans win impeachment of Biden's top border official. American: The Senate approved close to 100 billion dollars for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, but the House of Representatives is waiting
- Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives narrowly voted 214-213, approving of two articles accusing Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas of not enforcing U.S. immigration laws and making false statements to the Congress. Mayokas will now face trial in the Senate where two-thirds majority is needed to remove him from office, which is unlikely due to the Democrat-controlled Senate. (Reuters)
- The U.S. Senate passed a $95.3 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan after months of political wrangling, with nearly all Democrats and 22 Republicans approving. The bill is at the Republican-controlled House of Representatives, where its fate remains uncertain due to opposition from hardline Republicans aligning with Former President Donald Trump. (BBC)
February 12th
2024
Israel frees two hostages, Gaza officials say 67 killed in assault. Madagascar law allowing castration of child rapists prompts criticism from rights groups. Pakistan's premier defends the delay in releasing election results and denies the vote was unfair.
- Israel freed two Israeli-Argentinian hostages held by Hamas in Rafah in a fierce rescue operation, killing 67 Palestinians with airstrikes as part of the operation. U.S. President Joe Biden has gotten increasingly vocal that Israel should not carry a ground offensive in Rafah without a plan to protect civilians. (Reuters)
- Madagascar’s Parliament passed a law allowing for chemical and surgical castration of those guilty of raping minors, prompting criticism from international rights groups such as Amnesty International. They’ve however received support from activists who say it’s an appropriate deterrent against ‘rape culture.’ (Associated Press)
- Pakistan’s caretaker prime minister defended the highly criticized and delayed announcement of election results by saying that authorities only took 36 hours to calculate 60 million votes while juggling militant attacks. Imran Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, won the most seats in Thursday’s election due to their candidates running as independents. This prompted ‘politically motivated’ criminal convictions of a rigged election, which is why Khan can’t run, and talks of a coalition government.
February 9th
2024
Israel seeks to evacuate Palestinians jammed into a southern Gaza city ahead of an expected invasion. Russia, Ukraine swap 100 prisoners each -statements.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday that he ordered the military to plan to evacuate civilians from Rafah ahead of an expected Israeli invasion of the densely populated Sourthern Gaza. Rafah is the last remaining Hamas stronghold, and Israel plans to send in troops to complete its war plan against the group. (Associated Press)
- Russia and Ukraine stated on Thursday that they have swapped 100 prisoners of war from each side with the United Arab Emirates acting as intermediary. Most of the returning POWs were captured during the three-month defence of the Sea of Azov port of Mariupol in May 2022, early on in the war. (Reuters)
February 8th
2024
Biden will not face charges over classified papers, says 'memory is fine'. Putin, in rare U.S. interview, says Russia has no interest in attacking Poland or Latvia.
- President Joe Biden will not face charges over knowingly mishandling classified government records when he left vice presidency in 2017. Special counsel’s reports raised concerns about Biden’ memory and lack of cognitive ability; Biden however stated that ‘my memory is fine.’ (Reuters)
- Russian President Vladimir Putin stated in a two-hour Thursday aired interview with Tucker Carlson that Russia has no intention of spreading its attacks in Ukraine onto other countries like Poland and Latvia. (CTV News)
February 7th
2024
World's first year-long breach of key 1.5C warming limit. North Korea scraps all economic cooperation agreements with South Korea. Analysts say this will be Pakistan’s least credible election in years.
- Word leaders promised in the 2015 Paris climate agreement to keep the global average temperature at 1,5C, which is crucial to limit most damaging impacts. This year-long breach of the agreement serves an urgent demand for rapid reductions in greenhouse gas emissions to prevent further global temperatures increases, according to climate scientists. (BBC)
- North Korea’s Supreme People’s Assembly had voted to scrap all agreements promoting economic cooperation with South Korea. This includes the the Mount Kumgang Project, a law symbolizing economic cooperation; nearly 2 million South Korea visitors were suspended from the tours. (Global News)
- Pakistan cuts mobile phone services as the highly contested national election begins amidst accusations of rigging and rising violence. Fomer Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is eligible to run his record fourth term despite being previously convicted of corruption; his ban was wiped clean. (CBC)
February 6th
2024
Paul Mackenzie: Kenyan cult leader charged with 191 murders. Argentina president Javier Milei says plans to move embassy to Jerusalem. Trump is not immune from prosecution in his 2020 election interference case, US appeals court says.
- Doomsday Kenyan cult leader Paul Mackenzie and 29 associates, seen in court last month, was charged with murder after more than 400 bodies were found buried in shallow graves in the Shakahola forest. Authorities allege that victims suffered starvation, strangulation, suffocation, or beaten to death using blunt objects. (BBC)
- Argentinian president Javier Milei plans to move his country’s embassy to west Jerusalem on his visit to Israel. PM Benjamin Netanyahu welcomes this move after discussing it with President Milei following his election. Palestinian group Hamas condemns this announcement and says it views the move as an infringement on Palestinian people’s rights. (Al Jazeera
- Former President Donald Trump’s appeal to dismiss his 2020 criminal case on immunity from prosecution grounds has been denied Tuesday by the U.S. Federal Court of Appeals. The Supreme Court declined taking on this case, leaving it to the court of appeals, and the initial March 4 case was postponed. (Associated Press)
February 5th
2024
Senegal parliament delays election until December after opposition lawmakers are blocked from voting. China markets slump to five-year lows. Putin will visit Turkey soon to discuss new Black Sea grain export ideas for Ukraine, minister says.
- The Senegal parliament voted Monday to delay the West African nation’s presidential election until Dec. 15 following opposition lawmakers being forcefully removed from chambers who debated President Macky Sally’s earlier decision to delay the crucial election. (Associated Press)
- Chinese shares sank to 5-year lows Monday after market regulators sought to reassure nervous investors with promises to crack down on stock price manipulation and ‘malicious short selling.’ The China Securities Regulatory Commission held a meeting Sunday, vowing to harshly punish insider trading and other violations. (The Independent)
- The Turkish foreign minister said late Sunday that Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit Turkey soon; the visit will focus on a new way to allow Ukrainian grain exports through the Black Sea. This marks Putin’s first trip to a NATO country since Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine two years ago. (National Post
February 4th
2024
After US strikes in Yemen, Iran issues a warning about suspected spy ships in the Mideast. At least 28 people died when shelling hit a bakery in Russian-occupied Ukraine. El Salvador's president eyes re-election on back of gang crackdown.
- Iran issued a warning Sunday to the U.S. over potentially targeting two cargo ships, the Behshad and Saviz in the Middle East suspected of serving as forward operating bases for Iranian commandos. This came after the U.S. and UK’s massive air strike campaign against Yemen’s Houthi rebels. (Associated Press)
- Moscow-installed officials say at least 28 people were killed in shelling at a bakery in Russian-occupied Ukrainian city Lysychansk. Both Moscow and Kyiv have intensified attacks with longer-range weapons this winter on mostly unchanged positions in the 1,500 kilometre front line. (CTV News)
- Salvadorans are voting in presidential and legislative elections revolving around tradeoff between security and democracy. Despite violating the constitution’s ban on re-election and critics’ accusations on human rights abuse, Nayib Bukele is most likely to win his second presidential term for his ruthless military crackdowns on gangs significantly reducing El Salvador violence. (BBC)
February 3rd
2024
Three wounded at Gare de Lyon station. Chile declares red alert after wildfires rage. U.S., U.K. hit dozens of Houthi targets in latest retaliatory strike.
- Three people were injured in a knife attack in Paris’s major Gare De Lyon railway station, one person suffering serious stomach wounds. A suspect is in custody, and an investigation has been launched. (BBC)
- Central Chile’s intense forest fires have killed at least 46 people and destroyed 1,100 homes, with 92 fires are still burning in the region; it is deadliest in Valparaiso. Rescue efforts include 19 helicopters, 450 firefighters, and evacuation of hospitals and nursing homes. (CNN)
- The U.S. and Britain launched airstrikes on 36 Houthi targets in Yemen on Saturday on their second wave of retaliation that the Iran-backed militants that killed three U.S. troops in Jordan last week. (CBC)
February 2nd
2024
Trump prosecutor Willis admits relationship with colleague, denies tainting case. US hits hard at militias in Iraq and Syria, retaliating for fatal drone attack, officials tell AP. The UN's top court says it has jurisdiction in part of Ukraine's genocide case against Russia.
- Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis acknowledged to be involved in a ‘personal relationship’ with special Georgia prosecutor who tried former president Donald Trump for seeking to overturn with 2020 election defeat; he denies this will affect the case. Trump and two co-defendants accused Willis of seeking financial benefit from the relationship, which the couple deny. (Reuters)
- The U.S. military launched air assaults on dozens of sites in Iraq and Syria used by Iran-backed militia as retaliation to the drone strike that killed three U.S. troops in Jordan last weekend. President Joe Biden and top U.S. leaders warn of a ‘tiered response’ against the militias. (Associated Press)
- The United Nations’s top court said Friday that it has jurisdiction over a request by Ukraine for a declaration that Kyiv is not responsible for genocide, but not over other aspects of an Ukrainian case against Russia. Ukraine’s case file alleged that Moscow used trumped-up claims of genocide to justify its February 2022 invasion that unleashed Europe’s biggest conflict since WWII. (CTV News)
February 1st
2024
EU reaches US$54 billion aid deal for Kyiv’s fight against Russia, despite Hungary’s veto threat. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin apologizes for his handling of cancer diagnosis and hospitalization. Liberals introduce legislation to delay expansion of assisted dying eligibility until 2027.
- The leader of the 27 European Union countries agreed on a €50 billion support package for Ukraine to ensure long-term funding and stability for the country. The deal was struck after Hungary, Russia’s closest EU ally, opposed the plan after thwarting a December deal. (South China Morning Post)
- Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin publicly apologized for not telling President Joe Biden of his prostate cancer diagnosis and subsequent hospitalization. Austin’s neglect of disclosure leads to changes in federal guidelines and reviews for trigger notification procedures within the Pentagon. (CNBC)
- The Liberal government introduced the Legislation Thursday, delaying expansion of eligibility for assisted dying to those with a mental illness toward 2027. Health Minister Mark Holland and Justice minister Arif Virani said the delay was needed until Canada’s healthcare system was ready for assisted dying to include only those with a mental illness. (CBC)
January 31th
2024
US says Islamic Resistance in Iraq carried out attack on base in Jordan. Fed's Powell sees lower rates on the horizon as inflation ebbs, economy bounces ahead. Pakistan's imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan is convicted again, days before elections
- The United States attributes the fatal drone attack in Jordan that killed three U.S. service members to the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iran-backed militias. President Joe Biden is considering options for responses to the attack. (Malay Mail)
- Amidst the U.S. central bank’s two year fight with inflation, the Federal Reserve of the U.S. announced it will keep interest rates unchanged at the 5.25% - 5.50% range in order to pave the way for expectations for future rate cuts, along with sustained job and economic growth. (Reuters)
- Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife was found guilty of corruption and leaking state secrets on Wednesday and sentenced to 14 years in prison. They have been disqualified from holding public office for 10 years and are facing hefty fines. (CTV News)
January 30th
2024
Elon Musk’s $56bn Tesla pay package is too much, judge rules. Elon Musk's Neuralink implants brain chip in first human. Israeli forces dressed as women and medics kill 3 militants in West Bank hospital.
- On Tuesday, a Delaware judge ruled in favor of the shareholders who challenged Elon Musk’s $55.8 billion Tesla pay package as excessive in a lawsuit. According to the judge, the defense was unable to establish that this ‘historically unprecedented compensation plan’ was necessary to ensure that Musk would remain loyal to Tesla. (The Guardian)
- Brain chip startup Neuralink has successfully implanted its brain chip, called Telepathy, into its first human, who is said to be recovering well. The implants aims to give individuals limbs-free, neuron spike-actively control over their devices. (Reuters)
- Israeli forces dressed and civilian women and medics stormed a hospital in Jenin, killing three Palestinian militants. The Palestinian Health Ministry condemned the raid, calling on the international community to halt Israel from performing such operations in hospitals. Israel military says the militants were using the hospital as a hideout, though without evidence. (CTV News)
January 29th
2024
King Charles leaves hospital after three-night stay following prostate treatment. ANC suspends Jacob Zuma’s membership. Putin formally registered as presidential candidate.
- King Charles had left the private London clinic hospital on Monday after undergoing treatment for an enlarged prostate. Buckingham Palace stated that King Charles has ‘rescheduled forthcoming public engagements to allow for a period of private recuperation.’ (Sky News UK)
- South Africa’s former president Jacob Zuma has been temporarily suspended by the ANC’s national executive committee for refusing to vote for them and launching a rival party. Zuma’s suspension will likely cost votes for the ANC in the upcoming general election. (Times Live)
- Vladimir Putin has been registered as a candidate for the upcoming March presidential election by Russia’s Central Election Committee, where he is almost certain to win with lack of opposition. Putin’s intense crackdown on the election, such as imprisoning critics like Alexey Navalny, has sparked concerns on the transparency and fairness of the election. (Manila Bulletin)
January 28th
2024
Biden says U.S. 'shall respond' after drone strike by Iran-backed group kills 3 U.S. troops in Jordan. Mona Lisa: Protesters throw soup at Da Vinci painting. Ukraine says it uncovers mass fraud in weapons procurement.
- Biden, during an appearance at a South Carolina church’s banquet halls, asked for a moment of silence. He said on Sunday that the U.S. ‘shall respond’ after three people were killed and at least 34 injured in an overnight drone strike in northeast Jordan, a staunch western ally, near the Syrian border. It is believed the attack was carried out by one of the several Iran-backed militants. The U.S. has taken retaliatory actions against Iran-affiliated groups in Iraq and Syria, which is still amidst a civil war and long used as a launchpad for Iran-backed forces. This attack is a significant escalation in an already tense Middle East situation. (CTV News)
- Caught on camera, two climate activists threw pumpkin soup over a glass-covered Mona Lisa painting in the Louvre. They stood in front of the painting, asking, ‘What is more important? Art or the right to healthy and sustainable food?’ Furthermore, French farmers protested against low wages and sickness in the agriculture industry. A group called ‘Riposte Alimentaire’ claimed responsibility for this. In a statement on X, it said the protest was part of efforts to ‘integrate food into the general social security system.’ Newly appointed French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal promised to address these concerns with additional measures. (BBC)
- Ukraine’s SBU security service said on Saturday that it had exposed officials from the Ministry of Defense and manager of arms supplier Lviv Arsenal in a corruption scheme. They conspired to embezzle $40 million earmarked for 100,000 mortar shells for the war with Russia. Company employees with supposed to transfer the money to a business registered abroad to deliver ammunition, but was instead delivered to foreign accounts. The investigation led to five suspicious people charged, with one detained; the stolen fund with be returned to the defense budget. (Reuters)
January 26th
2024
Brazil orders Vale, BHP and Samarco to pay $9.7 bln in damages for dam disaster. World Court rules Israel must prevent genocide in Gaza, falls short of ordering a cease-fire. Kenya High Court ruling throws planned deployment of police to gang-plagued Haiti in doubt.
- A federal Brazilian judges ruled the miners Vale, BHP, and their joint venture Samarco must pay 47.6 billion reais in damages for a 2015 collapse in southeastern city Mariana that killed 19 people and severely polluted nearby rivers. In separate comments, Vale and BHP said they were not informed by the judiciary on this decision. Samarco did not comment. The judge wrote in legal documents that the money would be put in a state fund. The companies can appeal to the decision. (Reuters)
- The UN’s highest court ordered Israel on Friday to take all possible measures to prevent genocide against the Palestinian people. The World Court judgement came in response to a full case submitted from the South African government on Dec. 29, accusing Israel of genocide after continuing to claim more than 20,000 lives on their military campaign in the Gaza strip. The court ordered Israel to submit a report with one month on the steps it’s taking and claim to have jurisdiction rule in the case, not dismissing it despite Israel’s request to do so. (CNBC)
- Kenya’s National Security Council has been ruled by a Kenyan court against their plan to send 1000 police officers to a worsened my crisis in Haiti, where gang violence killed nearly 5000 people and displaced around 200,000 people last year. The UN Security Council backed Kenya’s offer to lead a multinational security force to combat Haitians multiple crises, including gang violence. High Court Judge Chacha Mwita said that under Kenyan law, authorizes could not deploy officers abroad without ‘reciprocal arrangement’ with the receiving government. (CBC)
January 25th
2024
Former White House official Peter Navarro the latest Trump associate sentenced to prison, China accuses U.S. of 'abusing' international law by sailing in Taiwan Strait and South China Sea, New Jersey already protects abortion rights. Now Democrats want to cover out-of-pocket costs, too
- Former White House official Peter Navarro has been sentenced to four months in prisoner by the federal court for refusing to comply with a subpoena for the House Jan. 6 committee, claiming executive privilege. He was sentenced on two counts. Prosecutors asked a judge for a six-month prison sentence and $200,000 fine, while defense attorneys suggested a probation and $100 fine. He is the second Trump associate to face contempt of Congress charges. (CBC)
- China accused the U.S. of abusing international laws with its military maneuvers, especially in the politically sensitive Taiwan Strait. Though China welcomes military communication with the U.S, tensions are rising because of warship and warplane activity on China’s borders. The U.S. defends its actions, stating they are in accordance with international laws guaranteeing freedom of navigation. (CTV News)
- New Jersey is among a bar of Democratic states aiming to reduce the barriers of abortion, even as conservative states have been severely restricting women’s abortion rights since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. New Jersey and nine other states require health insurers to cover abortion services; New Jersey itself has instilled abortion rights as law and increased abortion funding. As the Democrats have expanded their party in the Legislature, Democrats hope that the abortion issue will buoy their candidates nationwide. (Associated Press)
January 23th
2024
No survivors after Russian plane carrying Ukrainian POWs crashes: governor, Qatar 'appalled' by Israeli PM's criticisms of its mediation efforts with Hamas, As Trump-Biden rematch looks likely, Wall Street maps out election impact
- A Russia military transport plane crashed Thursday in a border region near Ukraine; it killed all 74 passengers including 65 Ukrainian prisoners of war to be swapped. Social media footage showed a plane falling from the sky, flames erupting where it crashed. Two Russian lawmakers accused without providing evidence that the plane was brought down by Ukrainian missiles. (Global News)
- Qatar on Wednesday said it was ‘appalled’ by Israeli PM Netanyahu’s leaked criticism of the country’s mediation with Hamas, complicating the already taxing negotiations for exchanging hostages, saying the comments were ‘irresponsible and destructive.’ Qatar is a crucial key to negotiation efforts between Israel and Hamas, helping secure a week-long truce in November in which more than 100 hostages were released. (CBC)
- Some investors are already predicting how the U.S. November presidential election could impact markets, since it could be a ‘major market event’. According to TD’s analysts, Trump’s promise of tax cuts could boost equity markets and cause growing budget deficits. A Biden win could mean his promise of environmental spending leads to higher corporate taxes and possible negative for stocks. (Reuters)
January 23th
2024
Turkey approves Sweden's NATO membership bid after 20-month delay, Alarming 45-fold rise in measles in Europe - WHO, Doomsday Clock time unchanged amid continued ‘global catastrophe’ threats
- Sweden and Finland first applied for NATO membership in 2022 to bolster its security in the face of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Turkey first raised objections over the countries’ support of groups it deems terrorists. Later in April, it approved of Finland’s membership; today, the Turkish parliament finally ratified Sweden’s NATO membership bid. (Reuters)
- Health chiefs warn that cases are still rises and urgent measures are needed; approximately 42,200 people were infected in 2023 compared to the 941 in 2022. WHO believes this is because of fewer people vaccinated against diseases in the COVID pandemic. Though the vaccine is very effective, only about 85% of children entering primary school in the UK have been vaccinated. (BBC)
- The time on the metaphorical Doomsday Clock remains unchanged at 90 seconds to midnight, the closest to midnight it’s ever been on the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists’ Tuesday announcement. Scientists say this is not a time to sit back and relax, but instead a time to respond urgently against these ominous global threats. (Global News)
January 22th
2024
Federal government announces 2-year cap on student permits, US appeals court revives Mexico's $10 billion lawsuit against gun makers, Jerusalem: Armenian Christians fight controversial land deal
- In response to the ongoing housing crisis, the government says it will grant about 360,000 undergraduate study permits for 2024, a 35% reduction from 2023; this cap will go on for 2 years. Housing critics and leaders are calling Prime Minister Justin Trudeau out for mismanagement, since he was the one to grant the study permits. (CBC)
- An U.S. appeal court revived a $10 billion lawsuit today on Mexico holding American gun manufacturers such as Beretta USA and Glock Inc. liable for facilitating weapon trafficking across the U.S.-Mexico border. The companies deny wrongdoing. (Reuters)
- Last April, facts began to emerge about a 2021 contract secretly signed between the Armenian Patriarch and a Jewish Australian-Israeli developer. It gave a newly-created firm, Xana Gardens, a 98-year lease to build and operate a luxury hotel in an area known as the Cow's Garden. For two months, local Armenians and priests alike stayed in a large, improvised tent, trying to stop the development. This legal fight could easily take years. (BBC)
January 20th
2024
Israeli strike on Damascus kills 4 Iranian Revolutionary Guards: state media, Newborn found alive in shopping bag amid freezing U.K. temperatures, Billions of cicadas will emerge in the US this year in a rare double-brood event
- Syrian state media reported that an Israeli ‘aerial attack’ struck a building in the Mazzeh neighborhood of Syria, as an ‘attempt to spread instability in the region.’ (CBC)
- A dog walker discovered a newborn wrapped in a towel inside a bag on Thursday, amidst London’s freezing temperatures. Authorities believe the mother should have been in a traumatic birth ordeal and urge her to immediately seek medical assistance. (Global News)
- The 13 year brood and 17 year brood of cicadas, whose occasional emergence from underground only syncs every 221 years, are due to emerge by the billions in 2024 for a raucous mating ritual; the last of which was in 1803. They will first appear in the Midwest and Southeast around mid April. (NBC)
January 17th
2024
Kenya religious cult leader to face murder charges over Shakahola deaths (Al Jazeera)
- Cult leader Paul Mackenzie, with dozens of associates, ordered his followers in southeast Kenya to starve themselves to death so they could go to heaven before the world ended.
- Mackenzie also forbade his followers from going to the hospital or sending their children to school; his followers said he deems these institutions ‘satanic’.
- More than 400 bodies were found in months across thousands of forest acres. With so many human remains uncovered and autopsies conducted, Mackenzie sat rather emotionless in the courtroom.
- He was previously convicted in 2019, also relating to the deaths of children: he was however released on bond. In December, he was sentenced to one year of jail for producing & distributing films without license; all these cases are still in court.
January 16th
2023
50 women and girls kidnapped by armed Islamic extremists in Burkina Faso, China's population falls for the first time in 6 decades, mafia boss Matteo Messina Denaro was arrested.
- While out foraging for food, 50 women and children were abducted in a few incidents in Burkina Faso on the 12th and 13th of January. Searches began as soon as the disappearances were reported. (CNN)
- New statistics show that China's population has fallen for the first time in 6 decades while birth rate continues to drop. The population fell by 850,000 since 2021 largely because of COVID-19. (BBC)
- Notorious mafia boss Matteo Messina Denaro was arrested after 3 decades on the run. He is a convicted murderer thought to be the head of the Cosa Nostra crime group. Italian Prime Minister Meloni stated that the arrest was "a great victory for the state". (NBC)
January 12th
2023
Suicide bombing in Afghanistan kills as many as 20, China threatens Japan with military escalation, Black Lives Matter co-founder's cousin dead after cops repeatedly tased him
- A suicide bombing at the Afghanistan foreign ministry in the capital of Kabul has killed at least five civilians, with some estimates ranging up to 20 people. Isis-K, an Islamic State group, claimed responsibility over the attack. (BBC)
- China has issued new warnings and threats of military escalation as a response to Japan's increased military investment and security cooperation with America. China threatened more military exercises in the surrounding area of Japan. (US News)
- A cousin of the BLM co-founder Patrisse Cullors has passed away after being repeatedly tased by Los Angeles police officers. The cause of death has not been officially determined. (BBC)
January 11th
2023
Elon Musk's losses break Guinness World Record, more highly classified documents found where Biden used to work, Indonesian President acknowledges human rights abuses in Indonesian history
- Elon Musk has lost up to 124 billion dollars as a result of poor performance of Tesla's stock. He far surpassed the previous world record of 58.6 billion lost by Japanese investor Masayoshi Son. (CTV)
- A second cache of classified government records and documents have been found at a location President Joe Biden used to work at. President Biden now faces increasing criticism and scrutiny by Republican Party members, including former President Donald Trump. (BBC)
- Indonesian President Joko Widodo has acknowledged the human rights abuses in Indonesian history and vowed to prevent any repeat. 12 anti-communist massacres were cited, which killed up to 500,000 people by some estimates. (BBC)
January 6
2023
US House of Representatives remains leaderless, military conflict in Ukraine during ceasefire, teacher shot by student
- After 14 rounds of voting, the US House of Representatives still has not yet decided on a speaker. Republican representative Kevin McCarthy, the favorite to win, is short 20 votes from becoming speaker as 20 members of the Freedom Caucus in the Republican Party refused to support McCarthy because of his moderate views in politics. The last time a deadlock similar to this occurred in 1923, a century ago. (CNN)
- Despite Russian President Vladimir Putin's order for a temporary ceasefire in the Ukrainian war, Artillery fire and rockets continued to be fired by both sides in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine. (Al Jazeera)
- A Virginian teacher was shot and wounded by a 6 year old student Friday after an altercation broke out. No students were hurt and the perpetrator was taken into custody. (Global News)
January 5
2023
Cartel violence in Mexican streets, China to reopen border with Hong Kong, US warship angers China, Putin orders 36-hour ceasefire
- Canadians in Mexico advised to take shelter as cartel violence breaks out in streets. Three security force members have died in clashes in the state of Sinaloa after the arrest of a son of notorious Mexican drug kingpin "El Chapo". (Global News)
- The Chinese government announced on Thursday that it will reopen its border with Hong Kong on January 8, nearly three years after it was largely shut in an effort to contain the spread of Covid. (CNN)
- A U.S. warship sailed through the sensitive Taiwan Strait on Thursday, part of what the U.S. military calls routine activity but which has riled China. (Reuters)
- Ukraine war: Putin has ordered his defence minister to impose a 36-hour ceasefire on the Ukrainian frontline, beginning on Friday. Kyiv quickly rejected the "trivial" Christmas truce. (BBC)
November 14
2022
Infrastructure ruined in Kherson. Cambodian leader cancel G20 meeting in places. Trudeau invest in foreign relations. Rising Flu cases in Canada
- Zelensky has visited the recaptured Kherson and finds massive infrastructure destruction within the city. Officials in Ukraine are working towards fixing the damaged areas in the city. (CNN)
- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has tested positive for Covid-19. The Prime Minister will be returning to Cambodia and will be canceling meetings in the G20 Summit. (Global News)
- Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau declares $300 million funding in improving relations between Canada and southeast Asia. (Global News)
- BC health officials are urging everyone to be vaccinated. In addition, they should be wearing masks in public during difficult times where influenza cases are increasing. (CBC)
November 12
2022
Protests within Iran and China. Democrats in US retain senate. COP27 UN climate change talk almost halfway through.
- It is almost halfway through the UN climate change talk in Egypt. Countries are awaiting the meeting between China and US for more informations and possible solutions for climate change between their negotiation. (CTV)
- In the US, Democrats are now tied with Republicans at 49-49 seats, with only 2 seats away from majority within the Senate. (The Times)
- Thousands of protests against the Iranian government could be seen within Southeast of Iran. Many were shot and killed. (CNN)
- Many in China, especially in the Guangzhou province, are venting their frustration towards the government because of the "no-Covid policy" through online posts that hint toward such message. (CNN)
September 24
2022
Unrest in Iran, Ukrainian - Russian war continues, and tensions increase between China and Taiwan
- Protests in Iran amid growing oppression, a depressing economy, and a recent incident regarding the death of a young woman killed by the morality police. (New York Times)
- Russia calls up over 300,000 reservist troops as a result of recent turnouts of the war with Ukraine. (Reuters)
- China's foreign ministry says that the US is sending a "very wrong and dangerous signal" in regards to Taiwan. ( VOA)