Ethiopia is evacuating around 80,000 people after a series of earthquakes, with at least 10 reported since Friday, indicating possible volcanic activity. The latest quakes hit the Awash Fentale district, affecting the Afar and Oromia regions. A 5.8 magnitude quake was recorded southeast of Ambosa, and a 4.7 magnitude tremor occurred east of Awash. The earthquakes were felt in Addis Ababa and other cities. The government notes increasing frequency and size of these events.

Penelope Kingsley 04/01/2025 11:00 pm

A regional emergency was declared in Sevastopol, Crimea, after oil from storm-stricken tankers spilled in the Kerch Strait. Local authorities and volunteers quickly addressed oil found on four beaches. Despite the emergency, regional Governor Mikhail Razvozhaev emphasized there is no mass pollution. In the Krasnodar region, nearly 7,000 people are cleaning up the spill, with over 96,000 tons of contaminated material removed. Russian President Vladimir Putin labeled the spill an “ecological disaster.” The Kerch Strait is a crucial shipping route.

Penelope Kingsley 04/01/2025 11:00 pm

A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah has held for over a month, despite unmet terms. The November 27 agreement required Hezbollah to disarm in southern Lebanon and Israel to withdraw within 60 days. Israel has only partially withdrawn and continues strikes on alleged Hezbollah bases. Hezbollah, weakened by 14 months of war, threatens to resume fighting if Israel doesn’t fully withdraw. Despite accusations of ceasefire violations, analysts believe the truce will hold, aided by its flexible terms and the ousting of Syria’s Bashar Assad, which weakened Hezbollah’s weapon supply routes.

Penelope Kingsley 04/01/2025 7:00 pm

Thousands of protesters in South Korea rallied in Seoul after a failed attempt to arrest suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol, who faces charges of insurrection. Yoon remains in the presidential residence, protected by loyal security officers. Demonstrators are divided, with some demanding his arrest and others opposing his impeachment. The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions clashed with police, resulting in arrests and injuries. If arrested, Yoon would be the first sitting South Korean president to face such action. The warrant’s status remains uncertain, with potential for another arrest attempt.

Ava Sinclair 04/01/2025 7:00 pm

A 7-year-old boy went missing on Dec. 27 from his village in Zimbabwe and was found alive after five days in Matusadona National Park, known for its high lion density. Heavy rainfall hindered the search by obscuring his footprints. The boy traveled about 31 miles, evaded lions, and survived by eating wild fruits. He was discovered on Dec. 31 near the Hogwe River. Mutsa Murombedzi, a Zimbabwean Parliament member, called his survival “a true miracle.”

Noah Prescott 04/01/2025 7:00 pm

Tomiko Itooka, the world’s oldest person at 116, passed away in Ashiya, Japan. Born in 1908, she witnessed significant historical events and technological advances. Recognized by Guinness World Records in September 2024, she inspired many with her longevity. Itooka enjoyed bananas and Calpis, and was active in her youth, climbing Mount Ontake twice. She managed her husband’s textile factory during WWII and lived independently after his death in 1979. Survived by one son, one daughter, and five grandchildren, her funeral was attended by family and friends.

Ava Sinclair 04/01/2025 3:30 pm

The halt of Russian gas to Europe via Ukraine marked a shift in energy dynamics, weakening Moscow’s influence. Moldova, having diversified its energy sources, remains largely unaffected, except for Transdniester, where the cutoff has caused significant hardship. Russia may exploit this to destabilize Moldova’s pro-Western government and increase tensions in Transdniester. Moldova is now relying more on imported coal and electricity from Romania, though at higher costs. Russia could potentially supply gas via the TurkStream pipeline to alleviate the crisis in Transdniester.

Penelope Kingsley 04/01/2025 3:30 pm

Tomiko Itooka, the world’s oldest person at 116, passed away on December 29 in Ashiya, Japan. Born on May 23, 1908, in Osaka, she was a former volleyball player and known for her lively spirit, even climbing Mount Ontake twice. Itooka managed her husband’s textile factory during WWII and lived alone after his death in 1979. She is survived by one son, one daughter, and five grandchildren. A funeral service was held with family and friends.

Noah Prescott 04/01/2025 12:00 pm

A seven-year-old boy survived five days in Zimbabwe’s Matusadona National Park, home to about 40 lions, after getting lost. Despite heavy rain hampering search efforts, park rangers found him by tracking footprints. The boy survived by eating wild fruit and digging for water. He walked 49 km through harsh terrain before being rescued. Local efforts included beating drums to guide him. The boy was taken to a hospital for medical checks. His survival was deemed a “true miracle” by politician Mutsa Murombedzi.

Penelope Kingsley 04/01/2025 12:00 pm

Tesla CEO Elon Musk criticized the UK government’s handling of criminal gang investigations, specifically targeting Keir Starmer’s tenure as head of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). Musk’s comments on social media suggested that Starmer’s past role hindered justice for victims of rape gangs. His remarks drew criticism from Labour Party members, including Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who called them “misjudged and misinformed.” Labour Minister Andrew Gwynne noted that inquiries into such issues have already been conducted in the UK, suggesting Musk should focus on American issues.

Ava Sinclair 04/01/2025 12:00 pm