Israeli airstrikes in Gaza killed at least 25 people, including children, on Friday, with 15 deaths in Khan Younis and 10 in Jabaliya. The attacks followed a day of violence as Israel pressured Hamas over hostages. Meanwhile, U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee made his first public appearance in Jerusalem, visiting the Western Wall and placing a prayer written by President Donald Trump. Ava Sinclair 19/04/2025 3:00 am
US air strikes on Yemen’s Ras Isa oil port killed at least 74 and injured over 100, according to the Houthis, marking the deadliest incident since President Trump intensified military actions against them. The Houthis claimed the strike targeted civilians, while the US defended it as a move to cut off Houthi funding. The Pentagon did not address civilian casualties. The attack escalates a campaign started on March 15, with undisclosed strike numbers and tolls. The Ras Isa port, crucial for oil imports, was reportedly used by Houthis for fuel. The US warned against supporting Houthis, and the Houthis launched a missile toward Israel, intercepted by Israeli forces. Noah Prescott 18/04/2025 11:30 pm
Nicola Coughlan criticized J.K. Rowling’s transphobia, stating she wouldn’t engage with the new Harry Potter reboot. Coughlan’s comments followed Rowling’s celebration of a U.K. Supreme Court ruling against recognizing trans women as women. Coughlan highlighted Rowling’s reported donation to an anti-trans campaign, contrasting it with potential support for abortion services. The upcoming Harry Potter series, set for 2026, involves Rowling as an executive producer, with HBO’s CEO affirming their long-standing association with the franchise. Penelope Kingsley 18/04/2025 11:30 pm
Iran and the US are set for a second round of nuclear talks in Rome amid military threats and mixed signals. President Trump emphasizes diplomacy but warns of war if talks fail, suggesting Israel might lead a military response. Despite previously rejecting an Israeli strike plan, Trump prefers giving diplomacy a chance. The first round of talks in Oman was deemed constructive. In 2018, Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal, reinstating sanctions to pressure Iran into a new agreement, leading to Iran breaching restrictions in retaliation. Penelope Kingsley 18/04/2025 11:30 pm
The White House launched a website promoting the theory that Covid-19 originated from a lab leak in Wuhan, China, reigniting debates on the virus’s origins. This follows a CIA report suggesting a lab leak was likely, but with low confidence. The site claims the virus has unnatural characteristics and criticizes the Covid-19 response, including lockdowns and mask mandates. While US intelligence remains open to natural transmission theories, many scientists believe the virus spread from animals to humans. The site aligns with a Republican report asserting a lab origin, contrasting with Democrats’ call for more transparency. Ava Sinclair 18/04/2025 11:30 pm
Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded a Southeast Asia tour in Cambodia, emphasizing China’s role as a stable economic partner amid U.S. tariff threats under President Trump. China’s influence in the region has grown through economic leverage, presenting itself as a reliable ally as U.S. tariffs threaten export-driven economies. Cambodia faces high proposed tariffs, with potential 49% on exports to the U.S. Xi’s visit is timely, offering China as a constant friend amid regional concerns over U.S. policies. Penelope Kingsley 18/04/2025 11:30 pm
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz supports a permanent military presence in Gaza, citing security needs. This marks a shift from previous policies, with implications for regional stability and humanitarian conditions. Since a ceasefire with Hamas ended in March, Israel has increased its military presence, creating buffer zones and corridors that isolate parts of Gaza. The buffer zone now covers over 15% of Gaza, affecting 35% of its agricultural land, raising concerns about worsening humanitarian crises and prolonged instability. Ava Sinclair 18/04/2025 11:30 pm
The Trump administration dismantled the federal office on long COVID, retracted COVID funding, and replaced the COVID.gov resource site with one promoting the lab-leak theory of SARS-CoV-2’s origin. Previously, the site offered vaccine, testing, and treatment information. The scientific consensus supports a natural spillover origin, but the issue remains politicized. Despite the pandemic’s acute phase ending, COVID-19 still circulates, causing deaths. The administration downplayed the pandemic, halting efforts to address long COVID, affecting millions. Some information remains on the CDC’s separate COVID-19 page. Penelope Kingsley 18/04/2025 8:00 pm
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that President Trump might abandon peace talks with Russia and Ukraine if no progress is made soon. After negotiations in Paris, Rubio emphasized that the administration won’t let talks “drag on” and will shift focus if necessary. This stance contrasts with Vice President Vance’s optimism in Rome about recent developments. The Paris meeting, hosted by French President Macron, included U.S. officials and European representatives, highlighting increased European involvement. The urgency stems from Trump’s 100-day deadline to secure a deal after reengaging with Putin. Penelope Kingsley 18/04/2025 8:00 pm
Researchers from the University of WrocÅ‚aw discovered a tomb in southern Peru’s Atico River Valley containing remains of 24 battle victims. The site, predating Columbus, included a stone inscription with names and grave gifts like pottery from the Chuquibamba or Aruni culture. Anthropological analysis confirmed battle injuries as the cause of death. The elaborate burial suggests the deceased were from the victorious group in a conflict. Excavations will continue through April. Ava Sinclair 18/04/2025 8:00 pm
