NATO allies await US defense secretary's visit, the first by a member of the Trump administration

Airliners crossing the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand were warned by the Chinese navy about a secret live-fire exercise happening in international waters. Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles stated that Australian authorities were not notified by China about the exercise, but airlines flying in the region picked up the broadcast. This caused concern for commercial pilots, with Airservices Australia issuing a warning about potential hazards in the airspace due to Chinese warships conducting...

Germans vote in a snap election as Chancellor Scholz's government collapses, with Friedrich Merz's Christian Democrats leading polls. The far-right AfD is expected to place second, while small parties like Die Linke and the Free Democratic Party aim to clear the five percent threshold. The "firewall" against extremist parties will be tested, with concerns over the AfD's potential impact on German politics and the stability of future coalitions. Full Article

The article features an Andy Donato cartoon from February 23, 2025. The cartoon is not loading, but viewers can access other videos from the team. The content of the cartoon is not described in the summary. Full Article

After Joseph Parker's win over Martin Bakole, he expressed interest in fighting WBC, WBA (Super), and WBO champion Oleksandr Usyk, who is also being pursued by Anthony Joshua for a potential third title shot. With Daniel Dubois withdrawing from a fight with Parker due to illness, Dubois may now target an undisputed clash with Usyk, creating uncertainty in the heavyweight division. As Usyk considers his next move and potential challengers like Agit Kabayel emerge, the...

Pope Francis rested peacefully after a respiratory crisis and blood transfusions, with doctors saying the 88-year-old pontiff's condition is critical. He received oxygen and blood transfusions for low platelet counts, and remains alert but in pain. Doctors are concerned about the infection potentially leading to sepsis, given his age and pre-existing lung issues. Full Article

Tyree Smith, an institutionalized man who confessed to killing and eating the body parts of a homeless man in Connecticut in 2011, has been granted conditional release by the Psychiatric Security Review Board. Despite receiving mental health services and supervision, concerns have been raised by lawmakers and the victim's family about his release, citing the brutal nature of the crime and the potential risk to public safety. Smith, who was found not guilty by reason...