Russian forces launched a drone attack on Dnipro, Ukraine, killing three, including a child, and injuring 30, officials reported. The attack damaged civilian infrastructure and started fires. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy urged allies for air defense support, emphasizing the need for international aid. Meanwhile, a Ukrainian delegation, including Foreign and Defense Ministers, was in Paris discussing long-term security guarantees with the “coalition of the willing” to deter future Russian aggression. The U.S. continues efforts to negotiate a ceasefire between Moscow and Kyiv. Ava Sinclair 18/04/2025 6:00 am
Dorothy Shea, the highest-ranking U.S. representative at the U.N., previously condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as “unprovoked” and “unjustified.” However, she later supported the Trump administration’s decision to not back a U.N. resolution blaming Russia, diverging from European allies. Shea’s interim role highlights the U.S.’s shift under Trump’s “America First” policy, disrupting the post-WWII international order. Her tenure extends unexpectedly after Trump withdrew his nominee for the U.N. Ava Sinclair 18/04/2025 6:00 am
A US citizen, Akinyela Sawa Taylor, hijacked a Tropic Air flight in Belize, stabbing the pilot and two passengers. Despite critical injuries, one victim fatally shot Taylor mid-flight. The plane, carrying 14 passengers and two crew, landed safely in Ladyville, escorted by a police helicopter. The incident occurred en route from Corozal to San Pedro. Authorities praised the pilot’s heroic actions. The injured were hospitalized with serious but survivable injuries. Taylor, identified as a military veteran, demanded the plane divert to Mexico. Ava Sinclair 18/04/2025 6:00 am
A US man, Akinyela Sawa Taylor, hijacked a small passenger plane in Belize, injuring two passengers. Taylor, armed with a knife, ordered the pilot to leave the country. He was shot by another passenger, leading to his death. The plane, with 14 onboard, landed safely at Philip Goldson International Airport despite low fuel. One passenger remains critically injured. The hijacker’s motives are unclear, and Belizean authorities plan to review domestic flight security. Ava Sinclair 18/04/2025 2:30 am
The US military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) announced strikes on Yemen’s Ras Isa Port to weaken the Houthis’ economic power by disrupting their fuel revenue. CENTCOM claims the Iran-backed Houthis use fuel profits to fund military operations and destabilize the region. The action aims to cut off this revenue stream, hindering their terrorist activities. Despite being designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization, the Houthis continue to receive fuel supplies. The US warns against illicit smuggling supporting the Houthis, whose actions have disrupted global shipping routes. Noah Prescott 18/04/2025 2:30 am
French President Emmanuel Macron hosted diplomats from the U.S., Germany, the UK, and Ukraine to discuss a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine and address tensions with the Trump administration. Macron emphasized the need for a “robust and sustainable peace.” The U.S. delegation, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, engaged in productive talks at Élysée Palace. Rubio later communicated with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, presenting a peace outline. Special envoy Steve Witkoff has held multiple meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Penelope Kingsley 18/04/2025 2:30 am
A massive blackout hit Puerto Rico, affecting 1.4 million customers and over 400,000 without water. This was the second major outage since New Year’s Eve. The blackout began at 12:38 p.m. Wednesday due to a transmission line failure, causing widespread disruptions. Crews worked to restore power as residents urged the governor to cancel contracts with two power companies. The outage led to business closures, including the Caribbean’s largest mall, and forced hospitals and the main airport to rely on generators. Noah Prescott 18/04/2025 2:30 am
Hamas rejected Israel’s ceasefire offer, proposing instead to negotiate a deal for the release of all hostages in exchange for ending the war and freeing Palestinian prisoners. Hamas’ chief negotiator, Khalil al-Hayya, criticized partial deals favoring Israeli political agendas. Israel’s offer included a 45-day ceasefire for 10 hostages. Far-right Israeli Minister Bezalel Smotrich advocated for aggressive action against Hamas. Meanwhile, Israeli strikes killed at least 37 people in Gaza, with no humanitarian aid entering the area. The conflict continues with no agreement in sight. Noah Prescott 18/04/2025 2:30 am
French President Macron’s office emphasized that any Ukraine ceasefire must “start from reality,” raising concerns Kyiv might cede territory to Russia. Talks in Paris included U.S. Secretary of State Rubio and envoys, with all sides agreeing on an immediate ceasefire. An Elysée official highlighted Russian-occupied territories, while envoy Witkoff mentioned Russia’s peace deal involving five Ukrainian regions. Kyiv rejects recognizing these as Russian. Macron’s office sees the talks as a “positive process,” with Europe advocating for solid security guarantees and a coalition supporting Ukraine. Noah Prescott 17/04/2025 11:00 pm
French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged the historic injustice of Haiti’s forced indemnity to France for its independence 200 years ago. He announced a joint French-Haitian historical commission to examine their shared past but did not address reparations. The 1825 indemnity, initially 150 million gold francs, crippled Haiti, which paid it off until 1947. Experts link Haiti’s current struggles, including gang violence and poverty, to this past. Macron emphasized acknowledging history’s truth and proposed the commission to foster a more peaceful future. Noah Prescott 17/04/2025 11:00 pm
