News from March 7, 2025 at 2 PM

French President Emmanuel Macron warned in a televised address on March 5 that Europe faces threats from Russia and must prepare for potential reduced US support. He announced discussions on providing a nuclear umbrella to European allies. Macron highlighted France's independent nuclear deterrent and plans for strategic discussions with allies. German Chancellor-designate Merz advocated expanding the UK-France nuclear umbrella. Macron also pledged continued aid to Ukraine and proposed deploying peacekeeping forces to ensure compliance with any Russia-Ukraine peace agreement. Russia criticized Macron's remarks, while Germany suggested modifying EU fiscal rules to increase defense spending. The US has suspended some intelligence sharing with Ukraine, pressuring it to reach a peace deal with Russia.

On March 6, US President Donald Trump suspended the 25 per cent tariffs he had imposed on most goods from Canada and Mexico, which were set to take effect on March 4. The exemptions will expire on April 2, when Trump has threatened to impose reciprocal tariffs on all US trading partners. Canadian Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc stated that Canada will delay a second wave of retaliatory tariffs on C$125 billion of US products until April 2. Trump's move aims to address a national emergency declared due to fentanyl overdose deaths, and he has also imposed a 20 per cent tariff on all imports from China. The market responded negatively, with the S&P 500 index falling 1.8 per cent. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau indicated that the trade war is not expected to abate soon.

US President Donald Trump issued an ultimatum to Hamas, demanding they leave Gaza and release all hostages or face severe consequences. After meeting released hostages at the White House, Trump threatened Hamas on social media. The Trump administration has accelerated weapons aid to Israel. Hamas responded that Trump's threats amount to condoning Israeli actions. The White House confirmed that Trump's chief hostage negotiator, Adam Boehler, met with Hamas officials in Qatar to secure the release of American hostage Edan Alexander. Additionally, several European countries at a UN Security Council meeting reiterated that the final solution for Gaza should not allow Hamas to continue governing.

Forces linked to Syria's new rulers have engaged in heavy fighting with fighters loyal to deposed President Bashar al-Assad in a coastal area, marking the worst violence since Assad's ouster in December. The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported over 70 deaths. A curfew has been imposed in the port cities of Latakia and Tartous, where the clashes erupted after government forces were ambushed. Reinforcements were sent, with videos showing intense gunfire. The coastal region, a stronghold of the Alawite minority and the Assad family, saw 71 deaths, including 35 government forces, 32 former regime gunmen, and four civilians, according to the human rights group. Former regime gunmen ambushed military forces along the coastline, occupying military zones. Colonel Hassan Abdul Ghani, a spokesman for Syria's defense ministry, warned Assad loyalists via state media. Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa faces significant security challenges, with the Alawite community subjected to violence since Assad's fall, and recent clashes with Druze forces in the south.

Australia's east coast is bracing for the rare tropical Cyclone Alfred, expected to make landfall on Saturday morning between the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast, impacting areas including Brisbane. Approximately 84,000 households are without power, and tens of thousands have been evacuated. The cyclone, forecasted as a category two with wind speeds up to 130km/h, has already caused flooding that may worsen over the weekend. A man is missing in New South Wales after his vehicle was swept into a river. Four million people in Queensland and northern New South Wales are at risk. Residents are preparing, schools are closed, and transportation is suspended. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urges the public to take warnings seriously and stay safe.

Pope Francis, battling double pneumonia for three weeks at Rome's Gemelli hospital, was reported stable by the Vatican on March 6, though his first audio message sounded weak. The 88-year-old pontiff has not been seen in public since his admission on February 14 and has faced several respiratory crises, the latest on March 3. Amid online speculation, the Vatican released an audio message from Pope Francis, his first in weeks, during prayers in Saint Peter's Square. Pilgrims expressed relief he could speak, though some were concerned by his fatigue. The Vatican stated his condition was stable without further respiratory failure, but doctors maintain a reserved prognosis. Pope Francis has faced multiple health issues recently, with this being his longest and most severe hospitalization.

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.

The Syrian armed forces, under the control of the transitional government, have dispatched reinforcements from the capital Damascus to Latakia amid escalating unrest. The domestic security authority in Latakia province has imposed a curfew until 10:00 a.m. local time on Friday due to clashes between law enforcement units and supporters of former President Bashar Assad. Heavy gunfire and explosions were reported in the Al-Ziraa neighborhood and near the criminal police department. On Thursday night, Assad's supporters attacked a roadblock near Jableh, resulting in the death of at least 15 Syrian security officers. Armed groups also assaulted military sites in Beit Ana in southern Latakia, killing one security officer and wounding several others. Curfews were also imposed in the cities of Tartus and Homs.

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.

Canada's ruling Liberal Party will select a new leader on March 9 to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who resigned earlier this year amid low popularity. Former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney is the frontrunner, with former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland also prominent in the race. The Liberals are aiming to attract conservative-leaning voters with anti-populist policies in response to threats from U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump's tariffs and annexation threats have united Canadians and boosted the Liberals' support. Liberal candidates have adopted some policies championed by Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, such as abandoning the carbon price and supporting immigration limits. Recent polls indicate that the cost of living and U.S.-Canada relations are top voter concerns.

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.

US private equity firm Sycamore Partners is acquiring the Boots pharmacy chain's parent company, Walgreens Boots Alliance, for $10bn, a fraction of its decade-ago valuation, reflecting struggles with debt and consumers shifting to online purchases for cheaper products. Walgreens CEO Tim Wentworth stated the firm is navigating challenges in a rapidly evolving pharmacy industry and competitive retail landscape. Since June 2023, Boots has closed some UK stores, leaving 1,900 outlets. Catherine Shuttleworth, CEO of Savvy Marketing, noted Boots' trusted brand status would attract many potential buyers if sold. The deal is expected to close by year-end.