First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro temporarily leads New York City as Mayor Eric Adams visits the Dominican Republic to honor nightclub collapse victims. The city charter allows the first deputy to act as mayor when the mayor is away. Adams emphasized the importance of supporting the Dominican community, the largest outside the Dominican Republic. Mastro, appointed recently after previous deputies resigned amid controversy, assumes the role while Adams is abroad. Adams denied allegations of a deal with the Trump administration, and a federal judge dismissed related charges. Ava Sinclair 14/04/2025 9:30 pm
Hungary’s parliament passed a constitutional amendment allowing the government to ban LGBTQ+ public events, criticized as authoritarian. Proposed by Prime Minister Orbán’s Fidesz-KDNP coalition, it passed with 140 votes. The amendment prioritizes children’s rights over assembly rights and codifies a law banning LGBTQ+ events, using facial recognition to enforce it. 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 lawmakers used air horns to oppose the vote. Ava Sinclair 14/04/2025 6:00 pm
Israel’s military has taken control of over half of the Gaza Strip, creating security zones along its borders, particularly in southern Gaza. This move isolates the Palestinian city of Rafah and the entire Gaza Strip from Egypt. Israel claims the action pressures Hamas to release hostages from the October 7, 2023, attack, which killed nearly 1,200 Israelis. The takeover alters Gaza’s borders, with Israel now surrounding the territory. Rafah, previously a refuge and aid entry point, is being evacuated to form a buffer zone, sparking criticism within Israel. Penelope Kingsley 14/04/2025 6:00 pm
Algeria has expelled 12 French embassy staff following the indictment of three Algerians in France, including a consular official, linked to the 2024 abduction of Amir Boukhors, a critic of Algeria’s government. Boukhors, also known as Amir DZ, was abducted in Paris and released the next day. Algeria accuses him of terrorism links, which he denies. France’s foreign minister urged Algeria to reconsider the expulsions, highlighting growing tensions between the two nations, including the arrest of French-Algerian author Boualem Sansal in Algeria. Ava Sinclair 14/04/2025 6:00 pm
Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, opened amid controversy over weak ticket sales and high costs. Hosted in Sou Fujimoto’s Grand Ring, the event features exhibits from over 160 countries. Despite bad weather, visitors queued for hours. Themed “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” it aims to foster global collaboration. However, ticket sales fell short of the 14 million target, raising concerns about financial losses reminiscent of the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Construction costs nearly doubled, and experts warn of potential political fallout. Penelope Kingsley 14/04/2025 6:00 pm
Russia claimed its missiles hit a meeting of Ukrainian military officers in Sumy, killing over 60 soldiers. Ukraine reported 34 civilians dead and 117 wounded. Russia accused Ukraine of using civilians as shields, a claim Kyiv hasn’t addressed. President Zelenskiy demanded a strong international response, condemning the attack on Palm Sunday. Global leaders criticized the strike, while Trump called it “terrible” and suggested it might have been a mistake. Russian spokesman Dmitry Peskov was questioned about Trump’s comment and the possibility of an error. Penelope Kingsley 14/04/2025 6:00 pm
President Trump described Russia’s missile attack on Sumy, Ukraine, as a “mistake” and “horrible,” while his administration offered stronger condemnation. The attack killed at least 34 and injured over 100, marking the second major civilian casualty event in Ukraine in just over a week. Kyiv argues this shows Moscow’s lack of interest in peace, despite U.S.-led truce talks. Trump’s comments aboard Air Force One suggested a possible excuse for Moscow, as he has generally refrained from criticizing President Putin. Some Trump administration officials were more explicit in their criticism. Ava Sinclair 14/04/2025 2:30 pm
Two years into Sudan’s war, over 14 million people are displaced due to conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Since April 2023, 11,292 attacks have occurred, with SAF responsible for 50% and RSF 38%. Khartoum, Gezira, and North Darfur are the main conflict zones. At least 32,973 people have died, with the actual toll likely higher due to indirect causes like disease and malnutrition. The conflict has severely impacted Sudan’s stability and humanitarian situation. Ava Sinclair 14/04/2025 2:30 pm
In his 13th week in office, President Trump focuses on tariff negotiations, pausing reciprocal tariffs for 90 days while increasing tariffs on China to 125%. Trump is personally involved in talks to reduce the U.S. trade deficit, acting as the “final decision maker.” He will meet with El Salvador’s President Bukele, a key ally on immigration. Democrats criticize Trump’s tariff policies, which remain a central issue. Penelope Kingsley 14/04/2025 2:30 pm
Amnesty International reports rampant human rights abuses against those accused of witchcraft in Ghana, urging the government to criminalize such accusations and ritual attacks. Despite a 2023 bill making witchcraft accusations a criminal offense, it remains unsigned. Older women, especially those marginalized or non-conforming, are most at risk. Victims often face banishment and seek refuge in camps with inadequate resources. Amnesty calls for protective legislation and a sensitization campaign. Similar incidents occur across Africa, highlighting a widespread issue. Noah Prescott 14/04/2025 2:30 pm
