Three weeks after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit Myanmar, basic services remain unrestored in the worst-affected areas. Frequent aftershocks disrupt recovery efforts, exacerbating resource shortages. The quake, centered near Mandalay, worsened the ongoing humanitarian crisis from civil war, displacing millions. The death toll has reached 3,726, with 5,105 injured. Significant infrastructure damage includes homes, schools, and hospitals. International and local rescuers are collaborating to clear debris and recover bodies, while survivors lack essential services like shelter, water, and healthcare. Ava Sinclair 20/04/2025 3:30 am
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced an “Easter truce” in Ukraine, halting Russian military action from Saturday evening until April 21. He expects Ukraine to reciprocate but warned of responses to any violations. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has not yet responded. Meanwhile, U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, held talks in Paris about ending the war. Rubio described the discussions as “productive” but emphasized the U.S. might abandon negotiations if no progress is made soon. President Trump supported Rubio’s stance. Noah Prescott 20/04/2025 3:30 am
A Tunisian court sentenced senior politicians, businessmen, and lawyers to long prison terms on conspiracy and terrorism charges, with sentences up to 66 years. Among the convicted are National Salvation Front leaders Issam Chebbi and Jawhar Ben Mbarek, receiving 18-year sentences. Human rights groups and defense lawyers criticized the trial as politically motivated to suppress dissent. Most of the 40 defendants were tried in absentia. President Kais Saied, who suspended parliament in 2019, has been accused of using the judiciary to target opponents. Penelope Kingsley 20/04/2025 3:30 am
Thousands of trans rights protesters gathered in London after the U.K. Supreme Court ruled that only those born biologically female are legally women, excluding transgender women. The decision has raised concerns about the rights of transgender individuals, despite assurances of protection from discrimination. Activists demanded “trans liberation” and expressed fears over the ruling’s implications, such as exclusion from women’s spaces. The government claims the decision provides clarity, while trans groups worry about its impact. The ruling originated from a 2018 Scottish law on gender representation on public boards. Noah Prescott 20/04/2025 12:00 am
Prime Minister Netanyahu reiterated his commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons amid domestic pressure over the ongoing conflict. He claimed Hamas rejected a proposal to exchange hostages for a ceasefire. Israeli strikes killed over 90 people in 48 hours, including women and children, as troops intensified attacks to pressure Hamas. In Khan Younis, designated a humanitarian zone, 11 people died, including displaced individuals. Mourners grieved the loss, with emotional scenes at hospitals. Four more deaths occurred in Rafah, including a mother and daughter. Penelope Kingsley 20/04/2025 12:00 am
Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a 30-hour “Easter truce” in Ukraine, ordering a halt to military activities until Sunday night. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Putin of insincerity, noting Russian drone activity before the truce. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha highlighted Ukraine’s agreement to a US-proposed 30-day ceasefire, expressing skepticism about Putin’s commitment, given past inconsistencies between his statements and actions. Putin announced the truce during a meeting with his chief of general staff, citing humanitarian reasons. Penelope Kingsley 20/04/2025 12:00 am
Yemen’s Houthi rebels reported that the U.S. military conducted airstrikes on Sanaa and Hodeida, targeting an airport and a port. This follows a previous U.S. strike on the Ras Isa port, which killed 74 and injured 171. The U.S. Central Command confirmed ongoing operations against the Houthis in Yemen. No immediate casualties were reported from the latest strikes. Penelope Kingsley 20/04/2025 12:00 am
Iran and the U.S. began a second round of nuclear negotiations in Rome, mediated by Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi. The talks involve U.S. Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The discussions, held at the Omani Embassy, are significant due to the longstanding tensions between the two nations since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The outcome depends on whether the negotiators can find common ground. Penelope Kingsley 19/04/2025 8:30 pm
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a 30-hour Easter ceasefire in Ukraine, starting Saturday at 6 p.m. Moscow time. He cited humanitarian reasons and expected Ukraine to reciprocate. However, air raid sirens sounded in Kyiv shortly before the truce, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy criticized the proposal as a ploy. Ukrainian forces continued to repel Russian air strikes just before the ceasefire was to begin. Ava Sinclair 19/04/2025 8:30 pm
A Tunisian court sentenced opposition figures, businessmen, and lawyers to 13 to 66 years in prison for conspiring against state security. The opposition claims the charges are fabricated, symbolizing President Kais Saied’s authoritarian rule. Forty people were prosecuted, with many fleeing abroad. Defendants, including prominent opposition leaders, were accused of trying to destabilize the country. Critics argue the trial criminalizes opposition, with defense lawyer Ahmed Souab calling it a “farce.” The trial, which began in March, was postponed twice, and journalists were barred from attending. Ava Sinclair 19/04/2025 8:30 pm
