A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck near Meiktila, central Myanmar, amid ongoing relief efforts from a previous 7.7 quake on March 28. The epicenter was between Mandalay and Naypyitaw. No major damage or casualties were reported from this aftershock. The March quake resulted in 3,649 deaths and 5,018 injuries. Sunday’s quake occurred near Wundwin township, 97 km south of Mandalay, at a depth of 20 km. Ava Sinclair 13/04/2025 5:30 pm
Pope Francis, recovering from double pneumonia, greeted over 20,000 people in St. Peter’s Square on Palm Sunday, signaling his improving health. The 88-year-old pope, not using supplemental oxygen, briefly addressed the crowd and interacted with attendees. Despite his eagerness to show recovery, he remains cautious, following doctors’ advice to avoid crowds. The Vatican is assessing his role in upcoming Holy Week events. Recently, he met with King Charles III and Queen Camilla and visited St. Mary Major Basilica to pray privately. Penelope Kingsley 13/04/2025 5:30 pm
More than 100 civilians, including at least 20 children and a medical team, were killed in attacks in Sudan’s Darfur region, blamed on the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The assaults targeted el Fasher and nearby camps, Zamzam and Abu Shouk, housing over 700,000 displaced people facing famine-like conditions. The attacks coincide with the second anniversary of the civil war between the RSF and the army. The charity, the last health service provider in the camp, reported targeted attacks on health infrastructure, worsening the humanitarian crisis. Penelope Kingsley 13/04/2025 2:00 pm
President Donald Trump’s tariffs have disrupted the global trading system, significantly affecting U.S.-Canada relations and causing wider global impacts. Billions in exports originally destined for the U.S. are now flooding global markets, including Canada, leading to historic trade diversions. The U.S., which previously absorbed 15% of global imports due to low tariffs, is no longer the world’s biggest consumer market. This shift challenges even the most free trade-oriented nations. Penelope Kingsley 13/04/2025 2:00 pm
The U.S. and Iran held serious talks on Iran’s nuclear program, aiming to avoid another Middle East war. Both sides face internal and external pressures, with hard-liners and Israel likely opposing any deal. Unlike the 2015 multilateral agreement, these talks are bilateral, with Europe, Russia, and China on the sidelines. Iran seeks economic relief and security, while the U.S. aims to restrain Israel. Despite differing preferences for direct or indirect talks, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi engaged directly, showing a willingness to negotiate. Noah Prescott 13/04/2025 2:00 pm
Argentinian Cardinal Leonardo Sandri led the Palm Sunday Mass in Saint Peter’s Square for Pope Francis, who is recovering from respiratory issues. Over 40,000 attended. Cardinal Sandri read the Pope’s homily, reflecting on Simon of Cyrene, who was forced to carry Jesus’ cross. The Pope pondered Simon’s feelings, noting his role in salvation history. Simon’s actions, though involuntary, made him part of the Lord’s passion, highlighting that no one is a stranger in salvation history. Noah Prescott 13/04/2025 2:00 pm
Russian missiles struck Sumy, Ukraine, killing at least 21 people and injuring 34, including children, during Palm Sunday church services. This attack marks the deadliest on civilians this year. Ukrainian officials, including President Zelensky, condemned the strike, calling for global action against Russia. The attack involved two ballistic missiles targeting the city center, aiming to maximize civilian harm. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister labeled the attack “absolute evil” and urged international support for enhanced air defense and increased pressure on Moscow. Noah Prescott 13/04/2025 10:30 am
Government officials awaited Royal Assent to take control of British Steel’s Scunthorpe plant from its Chinese owners. The legislative process was expedited, taking hours instead of months. Concerns about unrest arose, as 40% of the workforce was Chinese, many with long ties to the company. After Royal Assent, officials entered the plant, and a new management structure was established with EY’s assistance. Ava Sinclair 13/04/2025 10:30 am
Hamas released a video of Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander, captured in Gaza since October 7, 2023. In the video, Alexander, an Israeli soldier, pleads for his release. His family acknowledged the video, stating Passover won’t be a celebration of freedom while he and 58 others remain captive. Israeli officials dismiss such videos as propaganda. The conflict, now in its 18th month, saw a ceasefire in January when 38 hostages were released. Israel resumed military actions in March, aiming to free all hostages and demilitarize Gaza, while Hamas demands a war-ending deal. Penelope Kingsley 13/04/2025 10:30 am
Yeung Sum co-founded Hong Kong’s Democratic Party over 30 years ago, aiming for democracy. Now, the party faces dissolution amid diminishing civil liberties promised by Beijing. The 2019 pro-democracy protests led to a crackdown, silencing dissent through restricted elections, media censorship, and a national security law. Yeung revealed Chinese officials urged disbandment, fearing severe consequences if resisted. Party veteran Fred Li and others received similar warnings. The Democratic Party, formed in 1994, initially thrived, winning the most legislative seats, but now faces an uncertain future. Penelope Kingsley 13/04/2025 10:30 am
