Germany stopped a planned shipment of British fighter jets to Turkey after Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu was jailed, according to the Sunday Times. Penelope Kingsley 19/04/2025 1:30 pm
Cambodia and China signed a $1.2 billion deal to fund the Funan Techo Canal, linking the Mekong River near Phnom Penh to the Gulf of Thailand. The project, halted after its groundbreaking, resumed with a public-private partnership, with Cambodian and Chinese investors holding 51% and 49% stakes, respectively. The 151.6-kilometer canal will handle vessels up to 3,000 tons, aiming to boost trade efficiency and economic growth. The deal was signed during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit, emphasizing national prestige and development. Noah Prescott 19/04/2025 10:00 am
For over 400 years, Catholic and Orthodox churches have celebrated Easter on different dates due to differing calendars and calculations. This year, both celebrate on the same day, sparking hope for unity. Pope Francis, before his hospitalization, urged Christians to unify Easter’s date, referencing the Council of Nicaea’s anniversary. Despite past appeals, mistrust persists between the churches. The Western church uses the Gregorian calendar, while the Eastern Orthodox Church follows the Julian one, leading to Easter dates that can vary by up to five weeks. Penelope Kingsley 19/04/2025 10:00 am
A boat fire and capsizing on the Congo River in the Democratic Republic of Congo has resulted in 148 deaths, with over 100 still missing. The incident occurred when a fire broke out due to cooking on board, causing panic and leading many to jump into the water. The boat, carrying about 500 passengers, was traveling from Matankumu to Bolomba. Rescue efforts are ongoing, but many survivors are severely burned and lack humanitarian aid. Overcrowding and poor enforcement of maritime regulations contribute to frequent deadly boat accidents in the region. Noah Prescott 19/04/2025 10:00 am
The civil war in Sudan, marking its two-year anniversary on April 15, has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and millions displaced. Initially, the conflict involved the Sudanese army against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group formed under dictator Omar al Bashir. The RSF quickly took control of much of Khartoum, including the historic Presidential Palace. After Bashir’s regime ended in 2019, a transitional government was formed, with civilian leaders sharing power with military figures Abdul Fattah Al Burhan and RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Daglo. However, the military soon ousted civilian leaders, consolidating power. Penelope Kingsley 19/04/2025 6:30 am
In Turkey, protests have erupted following the arrest of opposition leader Ekrem Imamoglu, uniting diverse political factions against President Erdogan. The opposition, led by Imamoglu’s CHP, seeks to capitalize on this momentum for early elections, despite internal divisions. A recent poll shows CHP leading Erdogan’s AKP. The pro-Kurdish party’s stance is crucial, as Kurds, who face state repression, could influence the political landscape. Imamoglu’s arrest coincided with PKK leader Ocalan’s call to disarm, raising suspicions of government maneuvering. Penelope Kingsley 19/04/2025 6:30 am
The Trump administration replaced Covid information sites with a page promoting the unproven lab leak theory of the virus’s origins. The new site, featuring an image of Trump and “Lab Leak” text, redirects from Covid.gov and Covidtests.gov. It highlights Wuhan’s Institute of Virology but ignores evidence supporting the virus’s animal market origins. This change aligns with the administration’s trend of removing health sites that conflict with its views. Noah Prescott 19/04/2025 6:30 am
Steve Witkoff, a Middle East envoy, has become President Trump’s key figure in urgent foreign policy matters, despite lacking government experience. His recent travels included meetings with global leaders, such as Putin, and discussions on the Ukraine War and a potential Iran nuclear deal. Witkoff’s role, often overlapping with traditional diplomatic positions, raises questions about his qualifications and Trump’s trust in him over seasoned experts. His efforts have yielded mixed results, with challenges like the failed Gaza truce and Russia’s rejection of a Ukraine ceasefire. Noah Prescott 19/04/2025 3:00 am
US airstrikes on Yemen’s Ras Isa oil port killed at least 74, marking the deadliest day since the US escalated its campaign against the Iran-backed Houthis. The strikes aimed to cut off Houthi revenue, targeting their economic power. The fatalities included port workers and paramedics, with 171 wounded. The Houthis vowed to continue military operations against US and Israeli forces, citing support for Palestinians. They also shot down a US MQ-9 Reaper drone. US airstrikes have targeted Houthi sites since March, with President Trump pledging to stop Houthi threats to Red Sea shipping. Noah Prescott 19/04/2025 3:00 am
The White House replaced COVID-19 information sites with a page promoting the lab leak theory, suggesting the virus escaped from a Chinese lab. The new page criticizes the Biden administration’s pandemic response, including mask mandates and lockdowns, and accuses officials of misleading the public. It highlights conflicting reports on COVID-19’s origins and criticizes Dr. Anthony Fauci, who was both praised and criticized for his role during the pandemic. The page features a bold image of President Trump and claims the government suppressed alternative narratives. Penelope Kingsley 19/04/2025 3:00 am
