Sudan faces the world’s largest humanitarian crisis as its civil war enters its third year, with civilians suffering due to international inaction. The UK is hosting peace talks, but efforts are overshadowed by other global conflicts. The war between the Sudanese army and Rapid Support Forces has led to widespread atrocities, including attacks on refugee camps in Darfur. The conflict has devastated Sudan’s 51 million people, causing tens of thousands of deaths, famine, and displacing nearly 13 million. Violations of international humanitarian law are rampant, trapping civilians in dire conditions. Ava Sinclair 15/04/2025 8:00 am
Hungary’s parliament passed a constitutional amendment allowing the government to ban LGBTQ+ public events, seen as a move towards authoritarianism. Proposed by the ruling Fidesz-KDNP coalition, it passed with 140 votes for and 21 against. The amendment prioritizes children’s rights over peaceful assembly and codifies a law banning LGBTQ+ events, including Budapest Pride. Critics argue it’s propaganda to distract from national issues and bolster Orbán’s support ahead of 2026 elections. Opposition protests were disrupted by police, and the government claims the measures protect children from “woke ideology.” Penelope Kingsley 15/04/2025 8:00 am
Suspected U.S. airstrikes around Yemen’s rebel-held capital killed at least six and wounded 26, according to the Houthis, who also claimed to have shot down an American MQ-9 Reaper drone. The strikes, part of a U.S. campaign under President Trump targeting rebels due to their attacks on Mideast shipping, have reportedly killed over 120 people. The U.S. Central Command has not acknowledged the strikes, which began March 15, and has not provided information on targets. The Houthis also claimed to have downed a drone over Yemen’s Hajjah governorate. Noah Prescott 15/04/2025 4:30 am
Britain took control of its last virgin steelmaker from Chinese owners, ensuring raw material supply to keep Scunthorpe’s blast furnaces operational. Emergency legislation allowed the government to direct the company and secure materials, with two shipments already docked. Interim executives were appointed, and businesses like Tata offered support. The move may strain UK-China relations, as the furnaces, crucial for rail, construction, and automotive sectors, lose £700,000 daily. China urged fair treatment and consultation. Penelope Kingsley 15/04/2025 1:00 am
Xi Jinping emphasized that “no one wins in a trade war” as he began a Southeast Asia tour, criticizing Trump’s tariffs on China. Despite a pause on most tariffs, 145% duties remain on Chinese imports. Xi’s visit aims to portray China as a “responsible superpower” and strengthen alliances amid US-China trade tensions. In Vietnam, Xi will meet key leaders, highlighting Southeast Asia’s importance to China. The visit underscores concerns over Trump’s tariffs potentially affecting regional development. Penelope Kingsley 15/04/2025 1:00 am
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi will visit Russia before a second round of nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington. Recent talks in Oman, mediated by Omani envoy Badr al-Busaidi, were described as “positive” but focused on setting terms for future negotiations. Italy may host the next round, though Iran prefers Geneva over Rome. Tehran remains cautious, doubting an agreement and distrusting Trump, who has threatened military action. The U.S. seeks to halt Iran’s uranium enrichment, while Iran insists its nuclear program is for civilian purposes. Russia supports Iran’s civilian nuclear rights. Ava Sinclair 15/04/2025 1:00 am
President Trump expressed hope that the FCC, led by Brendan Carr, would punish CBS for “60 Minutes” reports he dislikes, despite no evidence of illegal behavior. Trump criticized CBS on Truth Social amid his legal battle with its parent company, Paramount Global, which is awaiting FCC merger approval. Carr, who has shown support for Trump, has launched investigations into media outlets Trump opposes. Trump has repeatedly suggested networks he dislikes should lose their licenses, though CBS itself isn’t licensed by the FCC. Carr did not comment on Trump’s post. Ava Sinclair 15/04/2025 1:00 am
Spanish authorities arrested a couple in Majorca for selling exotic cats online, including protected species like white tigers and clouded leopards. A raid uncovered 19 felines, including a caracal and servals. The operation is linked to a global criminal network smuggling animals from countries like Russia and Ukraine into the EU. The couple’s active social media presence facilitated sales, and the animals were distributed with false documents. The raid is part of a broader investigation, with rescued animals temporarily housed at a zoo before relocation to a rescue center. Ava Sinclair 15/04/2025 1:00 am
A Hamas official announced that the group is sending a delegation to Qatar for indirect ceasefire talks with Israel, amid ongoing conflict in Gaza. Recent discussions in Cairo included a proposal for Hamas to release hostages, but disagreements persist over ending the war. The talks in Qatar are expected soon. The previous ceasefire collapsed, leading to intensified Israeli actions and a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with the UN warning of dire conditions due to blocked aid. The conflict began after a deadly Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023. Penelope Kingsley 15/04/2025 1:00 am
Republican supporters of Ukraine are using Russia’s missile strikes as evidence to urge Donald Trump to pressure Putin for a ceasefire. Pro-Ukraine lawmakers have been cautious due to Trump’s affinity for Putin but are now vocal, condemning the attacks in language appealing to Trump’s conservative base. Lindsey Graham and Michael McCaul criticized the strikes, highlighting Putin’s disinterest in peace. The strikes followed a meeting between Trump envoy Steve Witkoff and Putin, criticized for being overly accommodating. Concerns about Witkoff’s pro-Kremlin stance have been raised with national security officials. Ava Sinclair 14/04/2025 9:30 pm
