Satellite images analyzed by The Associated Press revealed the devastation from an explosion at Iran’s Shahid Rajaei port, with 46 dead and over 1,000 injured. The blast, which occurred amid U.S.-Iran nuclear talks, destroyed buildings and created large craters. Authorities have not explained the cause, but reports suggest the port received ammonium perchlorate, a missile fuel chemical, from China. The Iranian military denies this. The explosion’s reddish smoke hints at a chemical compound’s involvement, similar to the 2020 Beirut explosion. Ava Sinclair 29/04/2025 4:30 am
The conflict between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Shin Bet head Ronen Bar has escalated, with both accusing each other of dishonesty in affidavits. Netanyahu dismissed Bar, citing professional failures, but Bar claims political motives. The Supreme Court has frozen the dismissal amid appeals. Bar accused Netanyahu of pressuring Shin Bet to spy on protesters, while Netanyahu blames Bar for security failures during the October 7 attacks. The situation highlights deep political divides in Israel, with the Supreme Court needing to assess the credibility of conflicting affidavits. Noah Prescott 29/04/2025 1:00 am
Catholic cardinals have set May 7 as the start date for the conclave to elect Pope Francis’ successor, allowing time to build consensus. The cardinals aim to continue Francis’ focus on marginalized communities, though some conservatives prefer a return to core doctrines. British Cardinal Vincent Nichols emphasized unity, while Venezuelan Cardinal Baltazar Porras expects a swift decision. The conclave includes 135 electors, mostly appointed by Francis, many of whom are unfamiliar with each other, adding uncertainty to the process. Noah Prescott 29/04/2025 1:00 am
An American airstrike in Yemen’s Saada Governorate killed at least 68 people at a migrant detention center, injuring 47 others. The center housed around 100 African migrants. The U.S. military’s Central Command has been conducting an intensified airstrike campaign against Houthi forces since March 15, targeting over 800 sites. This escalation, initiated under President Trump’s administration, responds to Houthi attacks linked to the Israeli-Gaza conflict. The U.S. has not commented on the recent strike. Penelope Kingsley 29/04/2025 1:00 am
A massive power outage affected parts of Spain, Portugal, and southern France, disrupting daily life by halting subways, phone services, and traffic systems. The blackout began midday and, by evening, power was partially restored, though many areas remained without electricity. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez noted the unprecedented scale of the outage, with 60% of Spain’s electricity demand lost, but the cause remains unclear. AntĂłnio Costa indicated no signs of a cyber attack. Significant progress in restoring power was made, with major cities like Madrid and Barcelona regaining electricity. Penelope Kingsley 29/04/2025 1:00 am
Germany’s defense minister criticized a peace proposal by US President Trump, which involves ceding Ukrainian land to Russia, as a “capitulation.” Trump’s plan includes recognizing Russia’s control over Crimea and additional territories. Ukrainian President Zelensky opposes territorial concessions, citing constitutional issues. Trump, frustrated by stalled peace efforts, met Zelensky and criticized Putin, suggesting new sanctions on Russia. Penelope Kingsley 28/04/2025 9:30 pm
A massive explosion at Iran’s Shahid Rajaei port, likely due to improper storage of sodium perchlorate, has killed at least 70 people and injured over 1,000. The fire is now extinguished, according to Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni. The chemical, used in missile fuel, was reportedly imported from China. Satellite images reveal significant destruction, with buildings damaged and large craters formed. The explosion coincides with Iran’s nuclear negotiations with the U.S., though officials have not linked it to anything other than an accident. Ava Sinclair 28/04/2025 9:30 pm
Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed a U.S. airstrike hit a prison in Saada, killing 68 African migrants. The U.S. military hasn’t commented. The incident raises concerns about “Operation Rough Rider,” targeting Houthis amid U.S.-Iran negotiations. Central Command defended its policy of withholding airstrike details, citing operational security, but faced criticism for using unclassified channels to share sensitive information. The U.S. military did not respond to inquiries about the alleged strike. Ava Sinclair 28/04/2025 9:30 pm
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a temporary ceasefire from May 8 to May 10 for the 80th anniversary of Victory Day, urging Ukraine to reciprocate. The Kremlin emphasized readiness for peace talks without preconditions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed skepticism, suggesting Russia is feigning negotiation readiness while continuing military activities. Zelenskyy called for international pressure, asserting that Russia aims to deceive the world and prolong the conflict. Penelope Kingsley 28/04/2025 9:30 pm
A massive blackout affected Spain and Portugal, disrupting subway trains, phone services, traffic lights, and ATMs for 50 million residents. Red ElĂ©ctrica, Spain’s power distributor, estimated a 6-10 hour restoration period but did not speculate on the cause. The Portuguese National Cybersecurity Center ruled out a cyberattack. The outage impacted major cities like Madrid and Lisbon, causing office closures and traffic issues. Spanish and Portuguese authorities held emergency meetings, with initial reports suggesting the issue originated in Spain’s electricity distribution network. Penelope Kingsley 28/04/2025 6:00 pm
