News from March 7, 2025 at 2 AM

US President Donald Trump addressed a joint session of Congress, stating that the US received strong signals from Russia on a peaceful settlement in Ukraine and a letter from Vladimir Zelensky expressing readiness to work under Trump's leadership for lasting peace and sign a rare-earths deal. Trump announced plans to develop a new missile defense shield and impose new reciprocal tariffs on imports from April 2. He also declared intentions to reclaim the Panama Canal, welcomed Greenland's potential joining the US, and criticized previous administrations for wasteful spending. Domestically, Trump highlighted steps to restore a fair justice system, proposed significant tax cuts, and addressed efforts to tackle illegal immigration.

Two Korean Air Force KF-16 fighter jets accidentally dropped eight bombs during a training exercise in northern South Korea, with one bomb landing in a residential area, injuring 15 people. The incident occurred at 10:04 AM on March 6th. The explosion affected an area over one kilometer, damaging five houses and a church. Preliminary investigations indicate pilot error. The South Korean and U.S. militaries have suspended live-fire training, established an accident investigation committee, and pledged compensation. The incident happened on the eve of the largest annual joint exercise 'Freedom Shield' between South Korea and the U.S., with its impact on the exercise unclear.

On March 6, Pope Francis recorded an audio message from Rome's Gemelli hospital, thanking well-wishers around the world for their prayers for his health, marking his first communication since being hospitalized for double pneumonia nearly three weeks ago. The Vatican stated that the pope remained stable on that day without any new respiratory crises. His doctors, noting the stability of his condition, postponed the next medical bulletin until March 8. Admitted on February 14 with a severe respiratory infection, Francis continues to receive treatment. Despite halting daily updates, his prognosis remains 'guarded'. Recent Vatican updates have been more positive, with the pope receiving oxygen during the day and ventilation at night.

Romanian prosecutors announced on Thursday the detention of six individuals accused of attempting to overthrow the state with Russian assistance. The suspects were detained on Wednesday, the same day Romania declared the Russian embassy's military attache and his deputy personae non grata. Since 2023, five defendants and a suspect allegedly formed a criminal group aimed at undermining Romania's defense capacity. The group, which had a military-type structure, repeatedly contacted foreign agents and sought Romania's withdrawal from NATO. They planned to install a new government and dissolve the current constitutional order. In January, two defendants traveled to Moscow for support. Political tensions in Romania have been high since its top court voided the presidential election in December, citing Russian interference.

US private company Intuitive Machines announced that its Athena spacecraft has landed near the Moon's South Pole but is feared to be in an incorrect attitude. The company's CEO stated in a press conference that the spacecraft is communicating with Earth but not in the 'correct attitude'. The company hopes to still deploy its scientific instruments, including a hopping robot and the first lunar mobile communications antenna. This is the second time an Intuitive Machines spacecraft has landed irregularly on the Moon. Athena landed around 1730 GMT, about 100 miles from the South Pole in the lunar highlands called Mons Mouton. The company plans to use the lunar reconnaissance orbiter camera to photograph the spacecraft to determine its exact position. Athena is designed to have 10 days to complete observations with scientific instruments, including the Micro Nova Hopper robot, which aims to explore a permanently shaded crater. The mission also carries three NASA scientific instruments, aimed at finding evidence of water and ice on the lunar surface, in preparation for the 2027 Artemis program.

Arab nations have agreed to establish an independent committee to temporarily administer the Gaza Strip, ensuring Palestinians can remain. Egyptian President Sisi announced the approval of a Gaza reconstruction plan at an emergency Arab summit. Arab League Secretary-General Gat said the plan provides a new 'security and political roadmap' for Gaza. The committee will manage Gaza for at least six months, and Egypt will seek support at an Islamic Cooperation Organization meeting. The reconstruction plan, estimated to cost $53 billion, will be internationally funded, said Palestinian Prime Minister Mustafa. UN Secretary-General Guterres expressed support, while Palestinian President Abbas urged Trump to back the plan. Israel and the US criticized it for failing to eliminate Hamas's control.

A study by Binghamton University in New York found that butterfly populations in the US decreased by 22% between 2000 and 2020. One-third of species experienced significant decline, with some, like Julia's Skipper, losing over 90% of their populations. The research analyzed data from 76,000 surveys across 35 monitoring programs, revealing that 33% of species were in significant decline, with 107 species declining by more than 50%. Habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change are key causes. The Southwest US is most severely affected, with drought likely a major factor. Butterflies are crucial for ecosystems and food production, and their decline signals broader environmental issues. Despite the decline, urgent conservation measures could lead to recovery.

On the afternoon of March 6, 2025, at Avalon Airport near Melbourne, Australia, a 17-year-old boy carrying a shotgun and ammunition boarded a Jetstar flight bound for Sydney with 160 people on board. Passengers and crew members subdued the teenager on the ground. Police said the boy breached a security fence to access the tarmac and was tackled by passengers upon boarding. He faces eight charges, including unlawfully taking control of an aircraft, endangering flight safety, and creating a bomb hoax. Victoria Police deployed a bomb specialist to inspect a nearby car and two bags. No injuries were reported, and the airport has reopened.