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Denmark to Draft Women Into the Military as Russian Aggression and Military Investment Grows

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Denmark to Draft Women Into the Military as Russian Aggression and Military Investment Grows

HOVELTE, Denmark (BN24) — Denmark is extending compulsory military enlistment to women for the first time in the nation’s history, implementing a gender-neutral draft lottery system as Russian aggression prompts increased military investment across NATO countries.

Under new rules passed by Denmark’s parliament in June, Danish women who turn 18 after Tuesday will be entered into the same lottery system as their male counterparts, marking a significant shift in the Scandinavian country’s military recruitment policies. The change reflects growing security concerns and efforts to bolster defense capabilities amid ongoing threats in Europe.

Peering across dense woodland outside Denmark’s capital with camouflage paint across her face, 20-year-old Katrine recently completed final training exercises near the Danish army’s barracks in Hovelte, 25 kilometers north of Copenhagen. After nearly four months of military training, she and other female soldiers who spoke to The Associated Press in June had volunteered for service, which until now was the only way women could participate in military training, despite being eligible for full-time armed forces membership since the early 1970s.

“In the situation the world is in now, it’s needed,” Katrine said, speaking on condition that only first names be used for operational security reasons. “I think it’s only fair and right that women participate equally with men.”

The new conscription system maintains voluntary enlistment options for both men and women, with remaining positions filled through the gender-neutral draft lottery. The reform addresses Denmark’s goal of increasing the number of young people in military service as security challenges mount across Europe.

Colonel Kenneth Strøm, head of the conscription program, told The Associated Press that the accelerated implementation is based on “the current security situation.” The program was originally outlined in 2024 as part of a major defense agreement and expected to begin in early 2027, but has been moved forward to summer 2025.

“They could take part in NATO collective deterrence,” Strøm explained. “Raising the number of conscripts, that would simply lead to more combat power.”

Denmark, with a population of 6 million people, currently maintains approximately 9,000 professional troops. The new arrangement is projected to increase annual military service participation to 6,500 people by 2033, compared to 4,700 participants last year. Women volunteers comprised roughly one quarter of the 2024 military cohort.

Under existing Danish law, all physically fit men over age 18 are subject to military service calls. The lottery system previously applied only to men after voluntary positions were filled. The extension to women represents a fundamental change in how Denmark approaches national defense obligations.

Anne Sofie, part of Katrine’s volunteer cohort, acknowledged the mixed reactions the new policy may generate. “Some will probably be very disappointed being chosen to go into the military,” she said regarding future female conscripts. “Some will probably be surprised and like it a lot more than they think they would.”

The conscription program is also being extended in duration, from four months to 11 months of service. Conscripts will complete five months of basic training, followed by six months of operational service and additional specialized instruction. The extended timeline reflects increased emphasis on comprehensive military preparation.

Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has influenced training content even in Denmark’s relatively secure position. Lessons from Ukrainian battlefields have been incorporated into Danish military exercises, creating immediate relevance for trainees.

“That makes it very real,” Katrine observed about the connection between ongoing conflict and her military training experience.

The conscription expansion forms part of Denmark’s broader military buildup initiative. In February, the Danish government announced plans to establish a $7 billion fund designed to raise the country’s defense spending above 3% of gross domestic product this year. Portions of the conscript program receive financing through the designated Acceleration Fund.

“We see a sharpened security situation in Europe. We have the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. We have focus on the Baltic countries, where Denmark is contributing a lot of soldiers. So, I think it’s a general effort to strengthen the Danish defense,” said researcher Rikke Haugegaard from the Royal Danish Defense College.

However, Haugegaard identified multiple implementation challenges, including inadequately fitting equipment, insufficient barracks capacity, and potential sexual harassment concerns. The infrastructure demands require significant investment and gradual development.

“For the next year or two, we will be building a lot of new buildings to accommodate all these people. So, it will be a gradual process,” she explained.

Denmark joins regional neighbors in expanding military conscription to include women. Sweden instituted gender-inclusive military drafts in 2017 after government officials cited deteriorating European security conditions. Norway implemented similar legislation applying military conscription to both sexes in 2013.

The Nordic trend toward gender-neutral military service reflects broader European responses to evolving security threats. The policies acknowledge both equality principles and practical military needs as nations reassess defense capabilities amid changing geopolitical circumstances.

Denmark’s decision to accelerate the timeline for women’s conscription implementation demonstrates the urgency with which European NATO members view current security challenges. The policy represents both a milestone in gender equality and a strategic response to regional military pressures.

The integration of women into mandatory military service systems across Scandinavia suggests a regional consensus about the necessity of maximizing available human resources for national defense. These changes occur as European nations fundamentally reconsider their military preparedness in response to Russian actions and broader security concerns.

Ukraine F-16 Pilot Killed in Large-Scale Russian Attack, Zelenskyy Calls for US Help

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Ukraine F-16 Pilot Killed in Large-Scale Russian Attack, Zelenskyy Calls for US Help

KYIV, Ukraine (BN24) — A Ukrainian F-16 fighter pilot died in a crash while defending against a large-scale Russian air attack involving hundreds of drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles, Ukrainian authorities announced Sunday, as Moscow continues intensifying nighttime bombardments in the fourth year of war.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised pilot Maksym Ustymenko and posthumously awarded him the title of Hero of Ukraine, the country’s highest military decoration. The president simultaneously called for increased support from Washington and Western allies to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense capabilities following the devastating attack.

The overnight assault damaged homes and infrastructure across multiple Ukrainian regions and injured at least 12 people, according to local authorities. In the capital Kyiv, families sought shelter in metro stations after air raid sirens sounded throughout the city. Machine-gun fire and explosions echoed across Kyiv and reached the western city of Lviv, where such attacks occur less frequently.

The governor of the Lviv region, which borders Poland, confirmed the raid specifically targeted critical infrastructure facilities. The widespread nature of the attack demonstrated Russia’s continued capability to strike across Ukraine’s territory despite ongoing air defense efforts.

Ukraine has now lost three F-16 aircraft since beginning operations with the U.S.-manufactured jets last year. While Kyiv has not disclosed the total size of its F-16 fleet, the aircraft have become a central component of Ukraine’s air defense strategy and are heavily utilized in combat operations.

According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Ustymenko flew his damaged aircraft away from populated areas but lacked sufficient time to eject before the crash occurred. The pilot had exhausted all onboard weapons systems and successfully destroyed seven aerial targets during the engagement.

“The pilot used all of his onboard weapons and shot down seven air targets. While shooting down the last one, his aircraft was damaged and began to lose altitude,” the Air Force stated on its official Telegram channel.

Ukrainian military expert Roman Svitan had noted earlier this month that F-16 aircraft are not optimally designed for all combat tasks in the current conflict, particularly defending against drone swarms that regularly target Ukrainian cities, as the jets are better suited for engaging higher-speed aerial threats.

In his nightly video address, Zelenskyy revealed that Ustymenko had been conducting combat missions since 2014, when Ukraine began its campaign against Russian-financed separatists who seized portions of eastern Ukrainian territory. The president noted that Ustymenko had mastered four different aircraft types and achieved significant defensive accomplishments.

“He mastered four types of aircraft and had important results to his name in defending Ukraine,” Zelenskyy stated. “It is painful to lose such people.”

The Ukrainian military reported that Russia launched a total of 477 drones and 60 missiles of various classifications against Ukraine during the overnight assault. Ukrainian defense forces successfully destroyed 211 drones and 38 missiles, while an additional 225 drones were either neutralized through electronic warfare systems or identified as decoys carrying no explosive payloads.

Writing on social media platform X, Zelenskyy emphasized the sustained nature of Russian attacks, stating that “Moscow will not stop as long as it has the capability to launch massive strikes.” He documented that Russia had launched approximately 114 missiles, 1,270 drones, and 1,100 glide bombs during the previous week alone.

Russia’s state-operated RIA Novosti news agency reported that one person was killed by a Ukrainian drone in the Russian-controlled section of Ukraine’s Luhansk region. Both Ukrainian and Russian authorities maintain official positions that they do not deliberately target civilian infrastructure or populations.

Ukraine maintains that recent attack patterns underscore the critical need for enhanced support from Washington, where President Donald Trump has not yet committed to providing additional military assistance to Ukraine. Trump indicated he was considering a Ukrainian request for additional Patriot missile batteries following his meeting with Zelenskyy at a NATO summit last Wednesday.

“This war must be brought to an end – pressure on the aggressor is needed, and so is protection,” Zelenskyy wrote in his social media post. “Ukraine needs to strengthen its air defence – the thing that best protects lives.”

The Ukrainian president stated that his country was prepared to purchase American air defense systems and expressed dependence on “leadership, political will, and the support of the United States, Europe, and all our partners.”

Russia has conducted large-scale strikes against Ukrainian cities every few days in recent weeks, causing extensive infrastructure damage, killing dozens of civilians, and injuring hundreds more. The sustained bombing campaign represents a significant escalation in targeting civilian areas and critical infrastructure.

During the latest bombardment, explosions were reported in Kyiv, Lviv, Poltava, Mykolaiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Cherkasy and Ivano-Frankivsk regions, according to witness accounts and regional governor statements. Ukrainian military officials confirmed that air strikes were recorded at six separate locations across the country.

Eleven people, including two children, sustained injuries in the central Cherkasy region, according to the regional governor’s Telegram announcement. The attack damaged three multi-story residential buildings and a college facility. One woman was injured in the western Ivano-Frankivsk region.

Emergency rescue teams evacuated residents from apartment buildings in Cherkasy that displayed charred walls and shattered windows from the bombardment. The evacuation efforts highlighted the continued threat to civilian populations despite designated shelter areas and air defense systems.

The loss of the experienced F-16 pilot represents both a tactical and symbolic setback for Ukraine’s air defense capabilities, particularly as the country seeks to maximize the effectiveness of its limited Western-supplied aircraft fleet. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges Ukrainian forces face in defending against Russia’s sustained aerial assault campaign.

Dalai Lama Set to Outline Succession Plan as China Closely Watches-Reuters

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Dalai Lama Set to Outline Succession Plan as China Closely Watches-Reuters

China (BN24) – The Dalai Lama will address a major three-day gathering of Buddhist religious leaders this week ahead of his 90th birthday, as his followers prepare for long-anticipated guidance about his succession—a moment that could inflame tensions with Beijing.

China has long branded the Dalai Lama, who fled Tibet in 1959 after a failed uprising, as a separatist. Officials in Beijing insist the Chinese government alone will choose his reincarnation. The Tibetan spiritual leader, however, has repeatedly countered that any successor anointed by China should be rejected and has signaled the next Dalai Lama could be born in exile, likely in India.

Tibetan Buddhists believe that enlightened monks reincarnate to continue their spiritual mission. The 14th Dalai Lama has said he will consult senior monks and share clues about where his reincarnation—a boy or girl—may be found after his death.

“The rest of my life I will dedicate for the benefit of others, as much as possible, as extensive as possible,” he told followers Monday as they offered prayers for his long life. “There will be some kind of a framework within which we can talk about the continuation of the institution of the Dalai Lamas,” he said, though he did not elaborate.

The Dalai Lama was identified as the reincarnation of his predecessor at the age of two and has previously indicated he may reincarnate in India, where he has lived in exile in Dharamshala since escaping Tibet.

Dolma Tsering Teykhang, deputy speaker of the Tibetan parliament-in-exile, underscored the stakes of the moment. “It is important for the world to hear directly from the Dalai Lama because China tries to vilify him at every chance,” she said, warning that Beijing is maneuvering to control the selection process. “China is trying to grab this institution for its political purpose.”

She added that the Tibetan people hope the next Dalai Lama will safeguard Tibet’s culture and faith while benefiting humanity as a whole.

Thupten Ngodup, Tibet’s chief state oracle, noted that traditionally, discussions of reincarnation do not occur while a Dalai Lama is alive, but said the circumstances were different now because of China’s interference.

In March, Chinese officials reiterated that the Dalai Lama is merely a political exile with “no right to represent the Tibetan people,” and offered to hold talks about his future only if he accepted that Tibet and Taiwan are inalienable parts of China—terms the Tibetan government-in-exile has refused.

This week’s religious conference, the first of its kind since 2019, is expected to draw more than 100 Tibetan Buddhist leaders. A video address from the Dalai Lama will be featured, and actor Richard Gere, a longtime advocate for Tibetan autonomy, is among those slated to attend.

According to organizers, the Dalai Lama will join prayers convened by the government-in-exile on July 5 and will participate in birthday celebrations the next day, where he plans to speak for about half an hour. Indian Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and other officials are expected to be in attendance.

Tibetans have been especially mindful of the Dalai Lama’s health since he underwent knee surgery in the U.S. last year, though he has said he could live to be 110. The previous Dalai Lama died unexpectedly at 58.

The Gaden Phodrang Foundation, established by the Dalai Lama in 2015, will oversee the search and recognition of his reincarnation. The spiritual leader also prepared his people for the future by formally transferring political authority to a democratically elected government in 2011, ending the centuries-old tradition of combining temporal and spiritual leadership.

“Since he has come in the form of a human, we have to agree that there will be a moment when he is not with us,” Teykhang said. “His Holiness has really prepared us for that day—he made us act as if he’s not there.”

Turkish Police Detain Over 50 in Crackdown on Istanbul Pride March

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Turkish Police Detain Over 50 in Crackdown on Istanbul Pride March

Istanbul, Turkey (BN24) – Turkish police detained more than 50 people on Sunday as authorities cracked down on the Istanbul Pride march, extending a years-long campaign to suppress LGBTQ+ gatherings in the city.

A heavy security presence and barricades prevented large groups from assembling in traditional rally areas. Organizers were forced to change the meeting point multiple times to avoid police blockades and detentions.

Yildiz Tar, editor-in-chief of the LGBTQ+ rights publication Kaos GL, said on social media that 54 people were taken into custody during the Pride event, including six lawyers who had come to monitor the situation. By Sunday evening, seven detainees had been released while 47 remained in custody.

The Confederation of Progressive Trade Unions of Turkey, known as DISK, reported that at least three journalists covering the march were also detained.

Kezban Konukcu, a member of parliament from the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM), joined demonstrators and condemned the sweeping arrests.

“The palace regime will not be able to stay in power by demonizing the LGBTQ community,” Konukcu said.

Once among the region’s largest LGBTQ+ celebrations, drawing tens of thousands of participants to central Istanbul, Pride marches have been officially banned since 2015. That year marked a shift as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ruling Justice and Development Party began leaning more heavily on religiously conservative supporters.

Despite the bans, LGBTQ+ advocates have continued to stage smaller demonstrations and face regular police crackdowns.

Trump Says ‘Very Wealthy Group’ Has Agreed to Buy TikTok in the U.S.

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Trump Says ‘Very Wealthy Group’ Has Agreed to Buy TikTok in the U.S.

Washington, DC (BN24) – President Donald Trump announced that a consortium of wealthy investors has agreed to acquire TikTok’s U.S. operations, as the Chinese-owned video platform faces the threat of a ban unless it finds an American buyer.

Speaking in an interview with Fox News, Trump said the buyers would be disclosed “in about two weeks” and indicated that the transaction would likely require Beijing’s consent.

“It’s a group of very wealthy people,” Trump said. “I think I’ll probably need China approval. I think President Xi will probably do it.”

The president’s remarks came more than a year after the U.S. ordered TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to divest its American operations over concerns that user data could be accessed by the Chinese government. ByteDance has denied the allegations, insisting that TikTok does not share sensitive information with Chinese authorities.

Under Trump’s directive, TikTok was initially given until January 19 to secure a buyer. When the deadline passed, the app briefly “went dark,” alarming millions of U.S. users before service was restored. Trump has since extended the timeline multiple times, most recently on June 19, when he signed an executive order moving the cutoff to September 17.

While Trump did not name the buyers, speculation has swirled around high-profile figures including YouTube star MrBeast, emerging search engine Perplexity AI, and Shark Tank investor Kevin O’Leary.

ByteDance said in April that talks with the U.S. government were ongoing but acknowledged “differences on many key issues.” Any final deal is expected to require approval from Chinese regulators.

Trump’s comments on TikTok coincided with renewed focus on his trade agenda. He confirmed that the suspension of tariffs on imported goods is nearing an end, with a July 9 deadline approaching.

In April, the administration granted a 90-day reprieve to give countries facing tariffs exceeding 10% additional time to negotiate agreements. Some nations, including the UK, have already secured deals to avoid the levies.

Trump told Fox News that letters would soon be dispatched notifying countries of their tariff rates.

“We’ll look at the deficit we have — or whatever it is with the country,” he said. “We’ll look at how the country treats us — are they good, are they not so good. Some countries, we don’t care — we’ll just send a high number out.”

The president said he did not anticipate extending the deadline again and portrayed the tariffs as a corrective measure to rebalance trade relationships and revive U.S. industries such as automobile manufacturing.

Nearly 12 Million Americans Could Lose Health Coverage Under Trump Budget Plan, CBO Estimates

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Nearly 12 Million Americans Could Lose Health Coverage Under Trump Budget Plan, CBO Estimates

Washington, DC (BN24) – A sweeping budget bill championed by President Donald Trump could strip health insurance from nearly 12 million Americans and add $3.3 trillion to the national debt, according to new projections from the Congressional Budget Office.

The nonpartisan analysis is the most comprehensive accounting yet of the potential fallout from Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which narrowly cleared a procedural hurdle in the Senate late Saturday after hours of tense negotiations and party infighting.

The CBO projected that the legislation would slash about $1 trillion in health care funding, primarily through deep cuts to Medicaid, the program serving low-income, disabled, and elderly Americans. Those reductions, paired with new work requirements and restrictions on state taxes to finance Medicaid, would leave millions without coverage over the next decade.

Republican leaders have defended the measure as a necessary overhaul to curb waste and expand tax relief. But critics warn the trade-offs would be catastrophic.

“This is tax cuts for the wealthiest to end up cutting health care, plain and simple,” said Democratic Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia in an interview Sunday.

The bill advanced by a 51-49 vote after two Republican senators—Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Rand Paul of Kentucky—joined all Democrats in opposition. Paul objected to provisions raising the debt ceiling, while Tillis said the Medicaid cuts would devastate his state. Hours later, Tillis announced he would not seek re-election.

Senate rules required a marathon 16-hour reading of the nearly 1,000-page bill over the weekend. Lawmakers now have 20 more hours allocated for debate, and Democratic leaders have pledged to use every minute to delay passage.

Republicans hold a narrow 53-seat majority, leaving them little room for additional defections. Vice President JD Vance could cast a tie-breaking vote if needed, underscoring the razor-thin margin.

President Trump, who has set a July 4 deadline to deliver the legislation to his desk, hailed the initial Senate vote as a “great victory” and urged Republicans to remain unified.

“The White House said failure to pass it would be the ‘ultimate betrayal,’” Trump told reporters Saturday.

While the legislation retains core campaign promises—including new tax cuts on overtime pay and tips and extending the 2017 Republican tax reductions—it relies on controversial spending cuts to offset the cost.

Under the plan, most Americans would see tax relief next year, though wealthier households would receive the largest benefits as a share of their incomes, according to the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center.

The bill imposes work requirements on most adults to qualify for Medicaid and reduces the taxes states can levy on health providers, a key source of funding for the program. In response to concerns from rural-state Republicans, Senate negotiators boosted a rural hospital relief fund from $15 billion to $25 billion in the latest draft.

Food assistance would also be restricted, with parents of children 14 and older required to show proof of employment to access benefits. Additional provisions would shift some federal costs for Medicaid to states beginning in 2028.

Sen. Markwayne Mullin, an Oklahoma Republican, defended the bill on NBC Sunday, saying it aims to curb “fraud, waste and abuse” in federal programs.

“We don’t pay people in this country to be lazy,” Mullin said. “We want to give them an opportunity. And when they’re going through a hard time, we want to give them a helping hand.”

If the Senate passes the measure, it would return to the House for final approval before heading to the president’s desk.

BBC

At Least Two Dead After Idaho Firefighters Shot While Battling Wildfire

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At Least Two Dead After Idaho Firefighters Shot While Battling Wildfire

Idaho (BN24) – At least two people were killed Sunday when gunfire erupted as firefighters worked to contain a wildfire on Canfield Mountain in northern Idaho, local authorities said.

Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris confirmed the fatalities during a tense news conference, describing an ongoing and dangerous situation in which first responders came under what he called “active sniper fire.”

“We still have civilians that are coming off of that mountain,” Norris said. “We might have civilians that are stuck or in shock on that mountain, so this is a very, very fresh situation.”

Law enforcement agencies from multiple counties were mobilized to secure the area as the gunman remained at large. Sheriff Norris said authorities were prepared to “neutralize this suspect as quickly as possible,” describing the shooter as heavily armed and warning that if not apprehended soon, the crisis could become “a multiday operation.”

“It appears that modern-day sporting rifles are being used. It appears that high-powered rifles are being used,” he said.

According to the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, the violence began about 30 minutes after firefighters first arrived to battle the blaze. The wildfire itself was still burning late Sunday afternoon, complicating efforts to evacuate residents and search the area for additional victims.

Officials from the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office and Kootenai County Emergency Management urged residents to shelter in place and avoid the vicinity while law enforcement teams attempted to secure the mountain.

Idaho Gov. Brad Little condemned the attack in a statement on social media, calling it “a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters.”

“I ask all Idahoans to pray for them and their families as we wait to learn more,” Little wrote. “Teresa and I are heartbroken. As this situation is still developing, please stay clear from the area to allow law enforcement and firefighters to do their jobs.”

Authorities did not immediately confirm how many shooters were involved or release the identities of those killed.

Virginia Mega Millions Player Wins Record $348 Million Jackpot, Ending 20-Draw Drought

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Virginia Mega Millions Player Wins Record $348 Million Jackpot, Ending 20-Draw Drought

Virginia (BN24) – A Mega Millions ticket purchased in Virginia has delivered a historic windfall, awarding one lucky player a record-breaking $348 million jackpot in Friday night’s drawing and ending a stretch of 20 consecutive drawings without a top prize winner.

Virginia Lottery officials confirmed the winning ticket was sold at the E & C VA convenience store in Burgess, a small community about 85 miles northeast of Richmond. The prize marks the largest Mega Millions jackpot ever claimed in Virginia since the multi-state game launched in 2002.

The winning numbers were 18, 21, 29, 42 and 50, with the gold Mega Ball 2. The jackpot winner has the option to take the full $348 million in annual payments spread over 30 years or choose a one-time lump sum cash payout, which is estimated at $155.5 million before taxes.

The victor, who has not yet been publicly identified, will have 180 days to step forward and claim the prize.

The previous state record belonged to retired truck driver JR Triplett, who scored a $239 million Mega Millions jackpot in 2004. Triplett opted for the cash payment, collecting about $140 million before taxes.

Friday’s win is the fourth Mega Millions jackpot awarded in 2025 and the second under the game’s revamped rules, which took effect on April 8. Under the new format, ticket prices rose from $2 to $5, and the minimum jackpot increased from $20 million to $50 million. The changes were designed to boost non-jackpot prizes and improve the odds of hitting the grand prize.

Since Mega Millions’ inception, Virginia has now produced 10 jackpot winners. The most recent was Kevin Young of Bristow, who in 2016 matched all six numbers and split a $15 million jackpot with Christina Ford of Dallas, Georgia.

Earlier this year, a $112 million prize under the updated game was claimed by the Ironwood Family Trust in South Euclid, Oregon. Two other jackpots were awarded from tickets purchased under the prior format, including a $112 million win in Tempe, Arizona, and a $349 million payout in Cortland, Illinois.

While this latest Virginia win stands out in 2025, it still falls short of some of Mega Millions’ historic prizes. In December 2024, California resident Rosemary Casarotti claimed a $1.269 billion jackpot, the largest in 2024 and the fifth biggest in the game’s history.

Thousands Rally in Bangkok Demanding Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra Step Down

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Thousands Rally in Bangkok Demanding Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra Step Down

Bangkok, Thailand (BN24) – Thousands of demonstrators filled Bangkok’s streets on Saturday, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra after the leak of a controversial phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen intensified public anger and fractured her governing coalition.

Protesters converged on the city’s Victory Monument, waving Thai flags and carrying placards declaring the prime minister an “enemy of the state.” The rally, the largest since the Pheu Thai Party returned to power in 2023, unfolded despite heavy monsoon rain that failed to deter crowds intent on pressing for Paetongtarn’s departure.

The uproar erupted earlier this month when audio of the call surfaced online. In the recording, Paetongtarn referred to Hun Sen as “uncle” and criticized a Thai military commander involved in a tense border dispute, saying he “just wanted to look cool and said things that are not useful.” The remarks struck a nerve in Thailand, where national security remains a deeply sensitive issue.

Although the prime minister apologized and defended her tone as a “negotiation technique,” the fallout has been swift. One of her coalition’s key partners has already withdrawn support, and a Constitutional Court petition seeking her removal over alleged unprofessional conduct is scheduled for review this week.

Protest leader Parnthep Pourpongpan addressed the crowd, declaring Paetongtarn “the problem” and insisting she step aside for the sake of national stability. “We want to protect Thailand’s sovereignty,” said Seri Sawangmue, a 70-year-old demonstrator who traveled overnight from the country’s north to join the rally. “The prime minister is unfit.”

As the demonstrations unfolded, Paetongtarn, 38, was in northern Thailand meeting flood victims. Speaking to reporters before departing Bangkok, she said it was citizens’ “right to protest, as long as it’s peaceful,” but pledged she would no longer hold private calls with Hun Sen.

The leak has fueled accusations that the Shinawatra family, which has dominated Thai politics for more than two decades, is too closely entangled with Cambodia’s Hun dynasty. Paetongtarn’s father, deposed former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, and Hun Sen have long described each other as “godbrothers,” a relationship critics say compromises Thailand’s interests.

While relations between Thailand and Cambodia have been tense for decades, recent border clashes, including the killing of a Cambodian soldier in May, have pushed diplomatic ties to their lowest point in more than ten years. Cambodia has retaliated by imposing broad restrictions on Thai goods, electricity, and cultural imports.

Hun Sen, who said he distributed the audio clip to dozens of political figures before it was leaked, later posted the entire 17-minute recording on his Facebook page. The call triggered fresh scrutiny of Paetongtarn’s judgment just ten months into her term as Thailand’s second female prime minister, following her aunt Yingluck Shinawatra.

The rally was organized by the United Force of the Land, a coalition of nationalist groups that have long opposed Shinawatra-led administrations. In a statement read aloud to the assembled crowds, organizers accused the government and parliament of abandoning their responsibility to uphold democracy and Thailand’s constitutional monarchy.

As protesters dispersed, a rainbow formed over Victory Monument, ending a dramatic day that underscored the country’s enduring political fault lines. The Constitutional Court is expected to announce on Tuesday whether it will proceed with the case that could ultimately decide Paetongtarn’s political fate.

BBC

Invasive Fish That Survives Out of Water Found in Canada, Raising Alarm Among Scientists

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Invasive Fish That Survives Out of Water Found in Canada, Raising Alarm Among Scientists

Canada (BN24) – An invasive fish species capable of surviving out of water for extended periods has been discovered in Eastern Canada, setting off concerns among scientists about potential threats to native wildlife and ecosystems.

The Oriental Weatherfish, an eel-like species also known as the pond loach, was identified last month in a Nova Scotia waterway by Canada’s Department of Oceans. According to the Nova Scotia Invasive Species Council, the fish was spotted near the village of New Germany in the Morgan Falls fishway on the LeHave River. A resident who encountered the unusual fish reported it to authorities, leading to its confirmation.

The council announced the discovery in a statement on May 16, warning that this is the first documented occurrence of the Oriental Weatherfish in the Maritimes, which includes Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island. Experts say the species poses a serious ecological threat if it becomes established.

“Oriental Weatherfish pose a significant threat when introduced to native ecosystems,” the council said in a social media post. “They reduce aquatic insect biodiversity, compete with native fish species for food and spawning habitat, and are known to carry parasites and pathogens harmful to wildlife and humans.”

The fish, native to parts of Eastern Asia stretching from Siberia to northern Vietnam and Japan, is commonly sold in the aquarium trade. Officials believe the specimen in Nova Scotia was illegally released into the wild. The individual fish was reported to be carrying eggs, raising fears it could already be reproducing in the waterway.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, Oriental Weatherfish (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus) typically grow to lengths of 3 to 7 inches, though some specimens can reach 11 inches. What makes the species especially difficult to eradicate is its ability to endure harsh conditions by breathing through its intestine. This adaptation allows it to survive in oxygen-poor waters, bury itself in mud or silt, and tolerate prolonged droughts.

Researchers have found that the fish can survive without water and endure starvation for more than 81 days, a level of resilience that alarms biologists monitoring the spread of invasive species in North America.

Though this is the first confirmed case in Atlantic Canada, Oriental Weatherfish have already established populations in over a dozen U.S. states, including Hawaii, where they have disrupted native fish communities.

Officials are urging residents not to release aquarium species into local waterways and to report any sightings of the fish to regional authorities. Environmental experts warn that if the population takes hold in Eastern Canada, it could prove extremely difficult to remove, posing long-term challenges to biodiversity and ecosystem health.

usatoday.com

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