A 7.1 magnitude earthquake in western China near Nepal killed at least 96 people, marking one of the deadliest in recent years. China frequently experiences earthquakes on the Tibetan Plateau due to tectonic activity between the India and Eurasia plates. Notable past earthquakes include the 2008 Sichuan quake, which killed nearly 90,000, and others in Qinghai and Yunnan provinces. Major recent quakes include the 2010 Qinghai (7.1 magnitude, 2,698 deaths) and 2013 Sichuan (7.0 magnitude, 196 deaths) earthquakes. Ava Sinclair 08/01/2025 12:30 am
Safeguarding minister Jess Phillips criticized Elon Musk for spreading disinformation that endangered her, but emphasized it was minor compared to abuse victims’ experiences. Musk labeled her a “rape genocide apologist” after she rejected a national inquiry into grooming gangs, favoring local inquiries like Telford’s for effective change. Phillips defended the government’s decision, arguing local inquiries lead to real change, unlike national ones. Despite the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse’s recommendations, none have been implemented. Phillips plans to gather council leaders to learn from Telford’s model. Ava Sinclair 08/01/2025 12:30 am
Ukrainian forces have targeted the Russian 810th Naval Infantry Brigade’s headquarters twice in two weeks, impacting Russia’s counteroffensive in Kursk Oblast. The latest precision strike hit Belaya, close to Sudzha, using various potential munitions, including U.S.-made systems. The 810th Brigade, already depleted from failed assaults, has faced significant Ukrainian firepower, including a Christmas Day strike in Lgov. Despite rotating for rest, the brigade continues to suffer losses, with recent failed attacks around Pogrebki. Noah Prescott 08/01/2025 12:30 am
Elon Musk, after supporting Donald Trump’s re-election, is now focusing on Europe, alarming politicians with his endorsements of far-right groups. He has backed Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD) and criticized UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Musk’s social media activity includes abusive language and retweets of far-right content. Political communication expert Andrew Chadwick notes Musk’s alignment with international far-right movements. Musk’s support for AfD, ahead of Germany’s February election, includes claims of Germany’s impending collapse and an upcoming chat with AfD co-leader Alice Weidel. Noah Prescott 08/01/2025 12:30 am
The first international commercial flight since former Syrian President Bashar Assad’s fall landed at Damascus airport, marking a significant step in Syria’s recovery. Qatar Airways’ flight was welcomed by passengers’ relatives, highlighting Qatar’s role in rehabilitating the airport. Many passengers were returning Syrians, visiting for the first time in over a decade. Jordan also conducted a test flight to evaluate the airport’s condition. Following Assad’s ouster, countries are reestablishing diplomatic ties with Syria’s new authorities, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, with Gulf nations likely funding reconstruction efforts. Noah Prescott 07/01/2025 9:00 pm
A magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck the Himalayas, killing over 120 people and injuring nearly 200. The epicenter was near Shigatse, Tibet, with tremors felt in Nepal and India. Xinhua reported 126 fatalities and 188 injuries, with numbers possibly rising due to serious conditions and missing persons. The quake occurred at 9:05 a.m. local time, with a depth of 10 kilometers. The US Geological Survey recorded it as magnitude 7.1. Noah Prescott 07/01/2025 9:00 pm
UK, Germany, and France leaders condemned Elon Musk’s extreme political comments on Europe. Musk, focusing on European politics, has criticized UK leadership, supported Germany’s far-right AfD, and intervened in UK political issues. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz advised against engaging with Musk, while French President Emmanuel Macron expressed concern over Musk’s influence. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer criticized misinformation spreaders, indirectly addressing Musk. Despite backlash, Musk’s actions don’t seem to harm him. Noah Prescott 07/01/2025 9:00 pm
Jean-Marie Le Pen, founder of France’s far-right National Front, died at 96. Known for controversial remarks on Nazi gas chambers, he was distanced from by his daughter Marine Le Pen, who sought to mainstream the party, now called National Rally. He was expelled in 2015. Despite efforts to rebrand, Marine lost the 2017 presidential race to Emmanuel Macron but ran a closer race in 2022 amid economic discontent and immigration concerns. National Rally acknowledged Le Pen’s role in bringing issues like demography and globalization into public debate. Penelope Kingsley 07/01/2025 9:00 pm
South Korea’s Transport Minister, Park Sang-woo, announced his intention to resign following a deadly Jeju Air crash at Muan International Airport, which killed 179 people. The crash involved a Boeing 737-800 hitting a concrete-encased localizer antenna, contributing to the fatalities. The minister feels responsible, despite the ongoing investigation. The concrete structure’s safety measures are under scrutiny, with police investigating Jeju Air and the airport operator. The resignation reflects cultural values of accountability, even before the investigation concludes. Noah Prescott 07/01/2025 9:00 pm
President-elect Donald Trump proposed renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America,” citing U.S. dominance in the region. He criticized Mexico for drug trafficking and immigration issues, suggesting tariffs on Mexico and Canada. Trump emphasized the need for cooperation but insisted on U.S. interests. Historically, the Gulf has been known by various names, with “Golfo de Mexico” dating back to the 16th century. The Gulf is a significant North American water body. Penelope Kingsley 07/01/2025 9:00 pm
