NEWS

North Korea has launched multiple ballistic missiles into the sea from its southwestern Hwanghae province, coinciding with the start of the annual Freedom Shield military exercises conducted by South Korea and the United States. These drills are perceived by North Korea as rehearsals for invasion. The missile launches mark North Korea’s fifth such event this year. Earlier, North Korea’s Foreign Ministry warned that the joint exercises could trigger “physical conflict” on the Korean Peninsula, reiterating leader Kim Jong Un’s goal of expanding the country’s nuclear capabilities to counter perceived threats from the U.S. and its allies. — Russia has expelled two British diplomats from its embassy in Moscow, accusing them of espionage activities that allegedly threatened national security. The Federal Security Service claims the diplomats provided false information to enter Russia and engaged in intelligence operations, though no evidence was presented. The diplomats have been ordered to leave Russia within two weeks. The UK’s Foreign Office condemned the allegations as “malicious and baseless.” This incident adds to the growing list of diplomatic expulsions since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, with both Western nations and Moscow engaging in reciprocal actions. — Israel continues to cut off electricity supplies to Gaza, impacting a desalination plant that produces drinking water for the region. This action follows Israel’s earlier suspension of goods to Gaza, aiming to pressure Hamas into extending a ceasefire. Hamas condemned the move, labeling it as part of Israel’s “starvation policy.” The reduction in electricity has severely affected Gaza’s infrastructure, which now relies heavily on generators. International bodies have criticized Israel’s actions, citing concerns over potential collective punishment. — A severe thunderstorm in Ennis Texas, resulted in the death of a man and injuries to three family members when their recreational vehicle flipped multiple times at the Texas Motorplex. The storm brought winds reaching up to 90 mph, causing widespread damage in the area south of Dallas. The high winds also tore the roof off a Days Inn along Interstate 45, damaged homes throughout Ellis County, and toppled several semi-trailer trucks on Interstate 35. Power outages affected nearly 20,000 residents, though most have since been restored. — The U.S. Supreme Court has rejected a lawsuit from Republican attorneys general in 19 states aimed at blocking climate change lawsuits against the oil and gas industry filed by Democratic-led states. Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito dissented, stating the case should proceed for further consideration. The climate change lawsuits in question accuse fossil fuel companies of misleading the public about the environmental risks of their products and seek compensation for damages such as severe storms and rising sea levels. — China has imposed a 15% tariff on key American agricultural products, including chicken, pork, soybeans, and beef, in retaliation to President Donald Trump’s decision to double tariffs on Chinese imports to 20%. This escalation in trade tensions has negatively impacted U.S. markets, with investors seeking safer assets. The Chinese tariffs are a direct response to U.S. measures aimed at raising revenue, protecting domestic industries, and pressuring foreign nations. Economists warn that such tariffs could lead to higher consumer prices and reduced economic efficiency. American farmers, particularly vulnerable to these retaliatory actions. —

In a significant political shift, Mark Carney has been elected as Canada’s new Prime Minister, succeeding Justin Trudeau. Carney, a former Governor of the Bank of England, assumes leadership amid escalating trade tensions with the United States. During his acceptance speech, Carney emphasized Canada’s sovereignty, stating the nation “will never be part of America.” He faces immediate challenges, including navigating the ongoing trade war with the U.S. and addressing domestic economic concerns. — Russian military forces have captured three additional settlements in the Kursk region as they intensify efforts to expel Ukrainian troops. This advancement underscores the escalating conflict in the area. The recent territorial gains highlight the ongoing volatility and complexity of the situation in Eastern Europe. International observers continue to monitor the developments closely. — In the Middle East, Israel has reduced electricity supplies to Gaza following Hamas’s refusal to extend the initial phase of a ceasefire agreement. The power cuts have raised humanitarian concerns among international organizations. Ceasefire negotiations remain at a standstill, with mediators urging both parties to resume talks. The situation continues to be precarious, affecting thousands of civilians in the region. — The U.S. Secret Service reported an overnight incident involving an armed individual near the White House. Agents engaged the suspect, resulting in the individual being shot. The area was secured promptly, and an investigation is underway. No further details have been released regarding the suspect’s identity or motive. — The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has announced plans to lay off approximately 1,000 employees in a second round of budget cuts. This decision has sparked concern among environmental advocates. The layoffs are part of broader federal budgetary adjustments. The impact on ongoing research and climate monitoring programs remains uncertain. — In Kentucky, new legislation criminalizing urban camping has been enacted, targeting homelessness in urban areas. To mitigate the law’s impact, a ‘homeless court’ initiative has been introduced to provide alternative resolutions. The legislation has sparked debate among community leaders and advocates. The effectiveness of these measures in addressing homelessness is yet to be evaluated.

Russian forces have intensified aerial assaults on Ukraine for back to back consecutive night, resulting in at least 25 fatalities. Benjamin Wright with the latest. This escalation follows the United States’ decision to cease sharing satellite imagery with Ukraine, a move perceived as an effort by President Donald Trump to pressure Kyiv into accepting a peace agreement with Russia. Polish President Donald Tusk criticized the U.S. action, cautioning against appeasing Russian aggression. — North Korea has unveiled its first nuclear-powered submarine, raising significant security concerns for South Korea and the United States. Joseph Ekerson reports. State media released images showing leader Kim Jong Un inspecting the vessel, though specific details remain limited. Experts suggest the submarine could be capable of carrying nuclear-armed missiles and might become operational within the next two years. — In Syria, over 600 individuals have been killed in two days of intense clashes and retaliatory attacks. The violence erupted between Syrian security forces and supporters of the ousted President Bashar Assad. Sunni Muslim gunmen loyal to the new government launched revenge assaults against Alawites, who were key backers of Assad. Jim Kender reports. — A 14-year-old boy in Newark, New Jersey, has been charged with murder after fatally shooting a police officer and wounding another. Lawrence Keller reports. The incident occurred during an operation targeting illegal weapons activities. Officer Joseph Azcona, 26, was shot before exiting his vehicle, while the second officer sustained non-life-threatening injuries. A severe winter storm has blanketed northern Arizona with heavy snowfall, causing a 15-mile traffic jam on Interstate 40 between Flagstaff and Williams. The accumulation of snow and a two-vehicle accident contributed to the prolonged standstill. Despite one reported injury, no fatalities occurred. Snowfall ranged from a few inches in lower areas to over two feet in regions like Flagstaff. Kyle Norris reporting. — On International Women’s Day, women worldwide rallied to demand equal rights and an end to discrimination and violence. In Istanbul, protesters opposed government restrictions on women’s rights, highlighting Turkey’s withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention. European demonstrations focused on issues like equal pay and healthcare access. Jessica Oakley reporting.

Latest News Headlines – In Tunisia, a high-profile trial has commenced involving 40 individuals, including notable opposition figures, accused of conspiring against state security. Activists and lawyers criticize the trial as politically motivated, alleging it aims to suppress dissent following President Kais Saied’s controversial power consolidation in 2021. The defendants, comprising politicians, diplomats, business leaders, journalists, lawyers, and human rights defenders. — South Korea and Poland have signed a cooperation agreement in Warsaw, strengthening ties in politics, economy, defense, and culture through 2028. This pact aims to enhance transregional security, engaging both Europe and the Indo-Pacific under the NATO-IP4 partnership. Since 2013, both nations have been strategic partners, with South Korea supplying significant military equipment to Poland, aiding in modernizing its armed forces. — The United States is engaging in direct talks with Hamas amid ongoing efforts to maintain a ceasefire in Gaza. Israel has halted the entry of essential supplies to pressure Hamas into accepting alternative ceasefire arrangements and the release of Israeli hostages, a move condemned by rights groups as a “starvation policy.” In the West Bank, Palestinians are evacuating homes slated for demolition by the Israeli military, resulting in the displacement of nearly 40,000 people. — Powerful storms have caused significant disruptions across the United States, with tornado warnings issued in the Carolinas, Florida, and Virginia. These storms have resulted in three fatalities in Mississippi and damaged buildings in Oklahoma. In Texas, high winds and dry conditions have fueled wildfires, destroying several homes and structures. Meanwhile, blizzard conditions have impacted parts of the Midwest, including eastern Nebraska, Iowa, and Minnesota. — The Georgia House has passed House Bill 268, a school safety measure, following a tragic shooting at Apalachee High School in September that resulted in four deaths. The bill, approved by a vote of 159-13, aims to prevent similar incidents by creating a statewide student database that includes disciplinary, mental health, and law enforcement information. Additional provisions include faster transfer of student records and establishment of mental health coordinators. — In Wisconsin, Governor Tony Evers has issued an open letter urging the state’s Republican congressional delegation to oppose proposed federal program cuts. He expressed concerns that such cuts could harm the state’s budget and essential services. Evers specifically called on the delegation to reject reductions to Medicaid and other federal assistance programs, emphasizing the potential negative impact on vulnerable populations.

Unbiased headline news – Afghan and Pakistani forces exchanged gunfire at the Torkham border crossing, which has been closed for over a week due to a dispute over a new Afghan border post. The clash resulted in the death of one Afghan security personnel and injuries to another. The Torkham crossing, vital for trade and travel between the two countries, has left thousands of vehicles stranded on both sides due to the closure. Afghan traders are reportedly losing $500,000 daily as a result. — A female suicide bomber targeted a paramilitary patrol vehicle in Kalat, southwest Pakistan, resulting in one death and three injuries. Female suicide bombers are rare in Pakistan, with the last known attack by a woman occurring in 2022. The attack led to the destruction of a Frontier Corps vehicle, with authorities recovering the bomber’s remains. Suspicion falls on the Balochistan Liberation Army, known for previous attacks in the region. — In Los Angeles, federal authorities arrested Eduardo Domingo Renoj-Matul and Cristobal Mejia-Chaj, leaders of a criminal organization accused of smuggling 20,000 people from Guatemala to the U.S. They allegedly charged each migrant up to $18,000 for passage. The organization is also linked to a 2023 vehicle crash in Oklahoma that resulted in seven deaths. Both leaders, in the country illegally, have pleaded not guilty and are detained without bond awaiting trial. — Former U.S. Representative Lincoln Diaz-Balart, a prominent advocate for Cuban democracy, passed away at 70 after battling cancer. He served 18 years in the House and played a significant role in shaping U.S. foreign policy toward Latin America. Diaz-Balart was instrumental in enforcing the Cuban embargo and passing immigration laws benefiting various nationalities. His efforts influenced many Cuban Americans to shift their political affiliations. — Ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas have resumed in Cairo, aiming to extend and solidify the truce in Gaza. The initial phase of the ceasefire is set to expire this weekend, but negotiations continue to maintain peace. citeturn0news24 The discussions follow the release of four Israeli hostages by Hamas in exchange for over 600 Palestinian detainees. The ceasefire has allowed for humanitarian aid to reach affected areas in Gaza. — President Donald Trump has called for an immediate ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, urging Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to pursue peace or risk losing U.S. support. European leaders have reiterated their support for Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of a united front against aggression. Zelenskyy has maintained that any peace talks must include security guarantees to prevent future conflicts.

Unbiased headline news – Iran’s parliament has impeached Finance Minister Abdolnasser Hemmati amid a sharp decline in the national currency, the rial, and allegations of economic mismanagement. The rial has plummeted from 584,000 to 930,000 to the dollar since President Masoud Pezeshkian took office, driven by international sanctions and public fears leading to foreign currency conversion. Hemmati had managed a 10% inflation reduction during his tenure but acknowledged that inflation remains a significant issue, standing at 35%. — European leaders convened in London to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, emphasizing the need for Europe to take responsibility for its defense. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a new agreement allowing Ukraine to utilize $2 billion of UK export finance to acquire over 5,000 air defense missiles. This move underscores Europe’s commitment to supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression. The summit also highlighted the importance of continued military aid. — A tragic highway collision near Tonopah, Arizona, involving multiple tractor-trailers and cars, resulted in four fatalities and left two individuals in critical condition. The crash led to seven vehicles catching fire, causing billowing smoke and necessitating hours-long road closures. Authorities are investigating whether poor visibility due to blowing dust contributed to the initial accident, which then triggered subsequent crashes. Six additional people sustained injuries, with five being treated and released from hospitals. — Demonstrators gathered outside Tesla stores across the United States to protest against CEO Elon Musk’s advocacy for federal spending cuts under President Donald Trump’s administration. These protests are part of a broader backlash against Musk’s influence in Washington, as he pushes for government efficiency reforms through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Protesters aim to impact Tesla economically and encourage divestment in response to Musk’s controversial actions. — The Trump administration is considering excluding government spending from Gross Domestic Product reports, a move that could obscure the impact of spending cuts proposed by the Department of Government Efficiency. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick suggested that separating government expenditure from GDP calculations would enhance transparency. Historically, government spending has been included in GDP due to its influence on economic growth. Critics argue that this change could complicate assessments of the nation’s economic health. — Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner has reaffirmed the city’s stance against welcoming back spring breakers, citing the success of last year’s restrictions, which led to zero fatalities and improved public safety. Enhanced security measures for March include curfews, bag searches, early beach closures, and DUI checkpoints. This decision stems from violence associated with spring break in previous years. While some business owners express concerns about potential impacts on tourism, overall hotel occupancy has risen, indicating a positive reception to the measures.