The Trump administration froze most U.S. foreign aid disbursements on January 20, 2025, and reportedly shut down USAID by February 3, 2025, despite lacking legal authority. This led to unpaid leave or firing of staff and the agency’s website malfunctioning, with a partial replacement on the State Department’s site. This disruption affects nonprofits, which implement many U.S.-funded foreign aid programs. A public policy scholar highlights the need to debunk myths surrounding foreign aid amid these challenges. Ava Sinclair 06/02/2025 2:00 am
Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini has been appointed the new Aga Khan, succeeding his father, Prince Karim Aga Khan, who passed away at 88. As the 50th hereditary Imam of the Ismaili Muslims, Prince Rahim will lead a community of about 15 million worldwide. Prince Karim, who became Imam in 1957, was known for his charitable work and wealth, with ventures in hospitality, telecommunications, and horse breeding. His funeral will be held in Lisbon, Portugal, the seat of the Ismaili Imamat. Ava Sinclair 06/02/2025 2:00 am
Swedish police are investigating the motive behind a mass shooting in Orebro, where 11 people, including the gunman, died. The suspect, reportedly 35-year-old Rickard Andersson, was a former student of the targeted school. Authorities have not confirmed his identity or motive but ruled out gang, ideological, or terrorist links. The gunman likely killed himself after exchanging fire with police. Six people were injured, with three women and two men in critical condition. The nation mourns, with King Carl XVI Gustaf expressing condolences. Noah Prescott 06/02/2025 2:00 am
President Trump’s proposal for U.S. ownership of the Gaza Strip has heightened uncertainty for its 2.2 million residents. Following a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, many displaced Palestinians fear potential expulsion. The Gaza Strip, part of Palestinian territories, borders Israel, Egypt, and the Mediterranean. After the October 2023 Hamas attack, Israel bombarded Gaza to dismantle Hamas, a militant group governing since 2006. The ceasefire aims to stabilize the region, but Trump’s remarks have unsettled residents. Noah Prescott 06/02/2025 2:00 am
Hamas, ruling Gaza, rejected a proposal for mass relocation of 2.2 million Palestinians, a sensitive issue given the region’s history of forced displacement. Riyad Mansour, Palestinian UN leader, emphasized Palestinians’ desire to rebuild Gaza and urged respect for their wishes. He criticized suggestions of relocating Gazans, referencing Trump’s language. The Geneva Conventions, ratified by the US and Israel, prohibit forced relocations. Saudi Arabia reiterated support for a Palestinian state and opposed displacement, indirectly addressing Trump’s proposal to move Palestinians to Egypt and Jordan. Penelope Kingsley 05/02/2025 10:30 pm
El Salvador has agreed to house violent U.S. criminals and accept deportees of any nationality under a deal with the Trump administration. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the agreement after meeting Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele. El Salvador will accept deportees, including gang members, and house dangerous American criminals for a fee. Critics and rights groups condemned the move, warning of potential democratic backsliding. The League of United Latin American Citizens criticized the treatment of non-criminal migrants. Penelope Kingsley 05/02/2025 10:30 pm
Witnesses described horror and panic during Sweden’s worst mass shooting at an adult education center near Stockholm, where a gunman killed at least 10 people and seriously wounded five others. Survivor Hellen Werme, hiding with others, feared for her life and her children’s future. The attack occurred at Campus Risbergska in Orebro, as students and teachers prepared for a lesson. They initially mistook gunshots for a door slamming before taking cover. The gunman also died, though the circumstances remain unclear. Ava Sinclair 05/02/2025 7:00 pm
Earthquakes have been shaking Santorini, Greece, prompting emergency measures. Authorities deployed rescue crews, banned access to coastal areas, and closed schools. Thousands have left the island, with increased ferry and flight services, though rough weather disrupted ferries. Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis planned an emergency meeting. The quakes, centered between Santorini and Amorgos, caused minor damage but no injuries. Experts can’t predict if a larger quake will follow. Increased volcanic activity in Santorini’s caldera is unrelated. Contingency plans for power and telecoms are underway. Noah Prescott 05/02/2025 3:30 pm
A mass shooting at the Risbergska Skolan in Orebro, Sweden, resulted in 11 deaths, including the alleged shooter, marking the deadliest such incident in the country’s history. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson expressed deep sorrow, emphasizing the trauma experienced by those involved. Police reported no ideological motives behind the attack. The school was locked down, and students were evacuated. Initially, the number of casualties was unclear, but by midnight, police confirmed 11 fatalities. Six people remain hospitalized, with the total number of injured still uncertain. Penelope Kingsley 05/02/2025 3:30 pm
Bayrou faces a crucial vote in the National Assembly, testing his ability to navigate France’s political crisis. As a centrist, he’s seen as President Macron’s last hope to stabilize the government amid investor concerns and fears of ungovernability. Using Article 49.3, Bayrou aims to pass the budget without a vote, risking no-confidence motions. His minority government relies on a coalition needing opposition abstention to survive. Failure could signal to markets that no one else can succeed in governing France. Penelope Kingsley 05/02/2025 3:30 pm
