World

According to a new survey, students in Brussels are most concerned about accommodation and crime, with 60% struggling to find affordable housing. The survey, conducted by perspective.brussels, also found that 75.4% of students are satisfied with their current living arrangements. Despite feeling generally safe, three out of four students do not feel secure in the city, especially at night and on public transport. Full Article

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) director general Maj Gen Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui downplayed attacks on minorities in Bangladesh after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government, calling reports of such attacks "exaggerated". During high-level talks with an Indian delegation, Siddiqui highlighted steps taken to protect minorities, including providing security for Durga Puja pandals. The BGB also raised objections to India's fencing along the border and requested a joint inspection before further work is done. Siddiqui stated that recent attacks on minorities were exaggerated and did not happen. Full Article

Finnegan Schick is running the 2025 Boston Marathon to support Massachusetts General Hospital’s emergency response team, inspired by their life-saving care for his wife during a critical illness. Witnessing their exceptional work firsthand, he believes in the importance of sustaining life and healing broken pieces, highlighting the crucial role of frontline workers in hospitals like MGH. Through his run, Schick aims to honor the hospital's dedication to saving lives and contributing to the greater Boston community. Full Article

Republican Senator Mitch McConnell announces he won't seek reelection, ending a long tenure marked by conservative causes and battles with Trump; McConnell, who served as Senate party leader, plans to retire after current term expires in 2027. His departure signifies a shift in the GOP towards Trump's populism, setting off a competitive primary for his Kentucky seat and leaving Governor Andy Beshear as a potential Democratic contender. Full Article

Hamas handed over the remains of four Israelis, including a woman and her two young children abducted during the Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel, in a theatrical exchange near Khan Younis. The coffins were displayed in front of a picture of Netanyahu, with threats of more hostages returning in coffins if Israel went back to war. The bodies were returned as part of a larger exchange under a 42-day cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, with Israeli officials confirming the airstrikes as the cause of death. Full Article

In a recent proposal, Donald Trump suggests giving Americans 20 percent of their savings in DOGE, marking a month in office filled with executive orders, firings, tariff announcements, and clashes with foreign leaders. Vice President JD Vance speaks at CPAC, while Trump's purge of the federal bureaucracy continues, with the IRS set to fire 6,700 probationary employees. Meanwhile, the administration addresses issues such as bird flu, an egg shortage, and transgender protections. Full Article

A German court ruled that Birkenstock sandals do not qualify as works of art and cannot be protected by copyright laws, despite the company's claim. The popular sandals, once considered uncool, have gained popularity in recent years and faced numerous copycat versions from rivals. The court decision stated that Birkenstock's footwear did not meet the criteria for copyright protection as they lacked the required degree of individual creativity, leading the company to continue its fight against imitations using legal means. Full Article

Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury stated that the company could prioritize deliveries to non-U.S. customers if tariffs disrupt imports to the United States. Faury emphasized the uncertainty surrounding potential tariffs from President Trump and highlighted Airbus' efforts to increase production in the U.S., including a site in Alabama. The company remains prepared to adapt to any tariff impacts while maintaining flexibility due to its strong relationships with major U.S. carriers. Full Article

U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres proposed that the United Nations fund a multinational force in Haiti to combat violent gangs, with salaries covered by an existing trust fund. The mission, led by Kenyan police and soldiers from other countries, aims to restore democratic institutions through elections, despite warnings of premature elections leading to increased gang violence. Challenges include lack of funding, political dysfunction, and gang control over 85% of Haiti's capital, with over 5,600 deaths reported last year due to gang violence. Full Article

By Danylo HawaleshkaPublished On 20 Feb 2025, History Illustrated is a series that uses artificial intelligence to create graphics that provide historical context for news events and current affairs. The series aims to help viewers better understand the significance of key names and events by presenting them in a visually engaging format. Through this unique approach, History Illustrated offers a concise and informative perspective on the interconnectedness of past and present events. Full Article