A 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck southwest of the Cayman Islands, prompting tsunami warnings for some Caribbean islands and Honduras. The National Weather Service later canceled the alerts, noting that expected water levels were below 1 foot, with potential impacts on boats, harbors, and piers. They advised staying away from the coast despite the cancellation. Noah Prescott 09/02/2025 10:30 am
Five Thai workers held hostage in Gaza for over a year were released and arrived in Bangkok. They were freed on January 30 as part of an exchange. Family members, Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sagniampongsa, and the Israeli Ambassador welcomed them at the airport. The Thai government remains committed to securing the release of the remaining hostage. The group quickly returned to their hometowns. This is the second release of Thai hostages, following a previous release of 23 nationals in November 2023. Penelope Kingsley 09/02/2025 7:00 am
Leaders from east and southern Africa have called for an immediate ceasefire in the Democratic Republic of Congo. At a summit in Tanzania, the Southern African Development Community and East African Community urged peace talks within five days, including with Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. The rebels have seized significant territory, raising fears of regional conflict. The summit emphasized political solutions, demanded reopening key routes for aid, and withdrawal of foreign forces. UN experts allege Rwanda’s involvement with M23, which Rwanda denies. The conflict has displaced 700,000 people and killed 2,900 since January. Ava Sinclair 09/02/2025 7:00 am
A 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea, with its epicenter near Honduras, triggering tsunami warnings for several countries, including Colombia, Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Cuba. The National Weather Service initially issued a tsunami advisory for Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, later canceled. The National Tsunami Warning Centre advised caution near water due to strong currents. The Cayman Islands remain under a tsunami threat, urging coastal residents to move inland. The USGS noted that large earthquakes in this area are not unexpected, referencing a similar event in 2018. Penelope Kingsley 09/02/2025 7:00 am
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un criticized the military cooperation between the U.S., Japan, and South Korea, claiming it raises regional tensions and threatens security. He vowed to develop North Korea’s nuclear forces further as a countermeasure. Kim expressed support for Russia in its conflict with Ukraine, aligning with their strategic partnership. North Korea’s state media, KCNA, warned that South Korea’s military activities with the U.S. could lead to negative consequences, especially amid canceled diplomatic engagements. Noah Prescott 09/02/2025 3:30 am
Schools on Santorini, Amorgos, Anafi, and Ios will stay closed until February 14 due to ongoing earthquakes. Over 800 tremors, including 11 of at least magnitude 4, have been recorded since February 1, causing many residents and tourists to leave Santorini. No major damage or casualties have been reported. Experts warn stronger quakes are possible but say the activity is unrelated to Santorini’s volcano. Noah Prescott 09/02/2025 3:30 am
In a Fox News interview, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu praised US President Donald Trump as Israel’s greatest ally in the White House, highlighting Trump’s strengthening of the Israeli-American alliance. Netanyahu lauded Trump’s leadership, citing achievements like recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, moving the US embassy, acknowledging Israeli sovereignty in the Golan Heights, exiting the Iran deal, and brokering the Abraham Accords. He emphasized the shared enemies of both nations and praised Trump’s resumption of weapon deliveries to Israel, noting Israel’s ongoing conflicts. Ava Sinclair 09/02/2025 3:30 am
A 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea, 129 miles southwest of Georgetown, Cayman Islands, prompting a tsunami advisory. Initially, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands were warned, but the advisory was later canceled for them. However, advisories remain for Cuba, Honduras, and the Cayman Islands, with potential tsunami waves of 1-3 meters for Cuba and 30 cm to 1 meter for the others. Waves are expected between 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. ET. Penelope Kingsley 09/02/2025 3:30 am
Sudan’s military has regained control of most of Khartoum North, including the key district of Kafouri, from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The army, in conflict with the RSF since April 2023, has made significant advances in Khartoum and surrounding areas. Amnesty International raised concerns about potential reprisals in recaptured areas, citing reports of targeted lists against activists and humanitarian workers. The RSF has detained local volunteers and hospital staff, while the UN reported civilian deaths amid the army’s offensive. Penelope Kingsley 09/02/2025 12:00 am
Hamas released three frail Israeli hostages, and Israel freed nearly 200 Palestinian prisoners in a ceasefire exchange. The hostages’ poor condition and forced statements caused outrage in Israel, increasing pressure on Prime Minister Netanyahu to extend the ceasefire. Netanyahu, however, indicated he might resume the war, risking leaving hostages in captivity. The Red Cross expressed concern over the release conditions, urging dignified and private operations. Many released Palestinians appeared emaciated, alleging abuse in Israeli custody. This was the fifth exchange since the ceasefire began. Penelope Kingsley 09/02/2025 12:00 am
