Mar 14 Denying same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, a Japanese high court says By Mari Yamaguchi, Associated Press The Sapporo High Court ruling said that not allowing same-sex couples to marry and enjoy the same benefits as straight couples violates their fundamental right to equality and freedom of marriage. Continue reading
Mar 14 Families of hostages held in Gaza despair as Ramadan cease-fire deadline passes By Julia Frankel, Associated Press Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's promise to achieve "total victory" in the war against Hamas now rings hollow for many hostages' relatives. Families who have spent months protesting and calling for a deal feel dejected and unheard by Israel's war… Continue reading
Mar 14 Indonesian presidential rivals allege fraud, plan to contest official election results By Niniek Karmini, Associated Press It is a three-way race for the presidency among Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto and two former provincial governors, Anies Baswedan and Ganjar Pranowo. The General Election Commission has officially tallied over 78% of the vote as of Thursday, with Subianto… Continue reading
Mar 14 Survivors of Mediterranean rescue say about 60 people died on the trip from Libya, aid group says By Colleen Barry, Associated Press SOS Mediterranee says its rescue ship Ocean Viking spotted the dinghy Wednesday with 25 people on board. Two were unconscious, and evacuated by an Italian Coast Guard helicopter for treatment. Continue reading
Mar 14 Pressing Ukraine’s need for aid, Joint Chiefs chair takes lawmakers to visit U.S. weapon factories By Tara Copp, Lisa Mascaro, Associated Press The Pentagon is framing the $95 billion aid package hanging in the balance on Capitol Hill as not only vital to Ukraine’s survival but also critical to the U.S. economy. Continue reading
Mar 14 WATCH: Schumer calls for new elections in Israel, says Netanyahu is obstacle to two-state solution By Mary Clare Jalonick, Ellen Knickmeyer, Associated Press Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer says he believes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has “lost his way” in the Israeli bombardment of Gaza and a growing humanitarian crisis there. Continue reading
Mar 14 Yemen’s Houthis have hypersonic missile, according to Russian state media, possibly raising stakes in Red Sea crisis By Jon Gambrell, Associated Press Moscow has maintained an aggressively counter-Western foreign policy amid its grinding war on Ukraine. However, the Houthis have for weeks hinted about "surprises" coming onto the battlefield to counter the United States and its allies. Continue reading
Mar 13 Watch 3:21 Israel announces plan to evacuate Rafah ahead of southern offensive By Nick Schifrin, Dan Sagalyn Israel’s top spokesperson suggested that Israel has a plan to evacuate many of the more than 1 million Gazans who have fled to Rafah in southern Gaza. The news comes as the U.S. continues to call on Israel to allow… Continue watching
Mar 13 Watch 5:37 Gazans struggle with starvation and displacement this Ramadan By Nick Schifrin, Zeba Warsi There is fasting, and then there is starving. At Ramadan, many Gazans say they are now doing both. Nick Schifrin reports on how Palestinian families are struggling for sustenance during this holy month that has come amid a food crisis… Continue watching
Mar 13 Far-right politician Geert Wilders says he lacks enough coalition support to become Dutch prime minister By Mike Corder, Associated Press While it now looks like Wilders will not lead the government, he and his Party for Freedom will remain the driving force behind the administration after sweeping to a stunning victory in the Nov. 22 elections. Continue reading