Tens of thousands of supporters of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic rallied in Belgrade, with around 55,000 gathering at the National Assembly. This follows months of unrest after a railway station canopy collapse in Novi Sad killed 15, sparking public anger over alleged corruption by Vucic’s Progressive Party. Vucic promoted the rally as a “Movement for the People and the State” to counter forces he claims threaten Serbia. He accused student-led protests of being influenced by foreign powers and criticized national broadcaster RTS. Protests continue despite resignations and Vucic’s refusal to step down. Penelope Kingsley 13/04/2025 7:00 am
The new US tariff regime under Trump has caused market panic and fears of economic turmoil. While Trump’s allies claim a strategic plan, critics argue the tariffs lack coherence and could harm the US economy. The tariffs, including a 125% rate on Chinese goods, risk severing vital trade ties, complicating efforts to isolate China. Simultaneously, Trump’s global tariffs and conflicts with key trading partners like Mexico, Canada, and Europe further hinder the US’s ability to replace Chinese trade, potentially backfiring on US economic interests. Noah Prescott 13/04/2025 7:00 am
Iran and the U.S. are set to hold high-level talks in Oman to revive negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program. U.S. President Trump has threatened military action if no deal is reached. Iran, led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, is skeptical of Trump’s intentions. The U.S. delegation is led by Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff. Both sides remain divided on whether talks will be direct or indirect. The dispute has persisted for over two decades. Iranian media showed Araqchi meeting Oman’s Foreign Minister in Muscat. Noah Prescott 13/04/2025 3:30 am
Israel has established a new security corridor in Gaza, taking control of Rafah and cutting it off from the rest of the territory. The IDF completed the takeover of the Morag axis, expanding operations to separate Hamas fighters in Rafah from Khan Yunis. Over 1,500 Palestinians have been killed since March, with nearly 51,000 deaths since October 2023. Evacuation orders were issued for large areas, and the Morag Corridor aims to pressure Hamas to release Israeli hostages. Noah Prescott 13/04/2025 12:00 am
Richard Medina quickly replaced his broken iPhone camera due to fears of tariff-induced price hikes. Across the US, households face potential price increases and shortages from President Trump’s tariffs. Some are stocking up, while others hope for policy reversals. Trump has already adjusted tariffs, exempting smartphones and electronics. Anna Woods, feeling uncertain, highlights the rapid policy changes affecting everyday purchases. Noah Prescott 13/04/2025 12:00 am
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba hopes the Osaka Expo 2025 will foster global unity amid conflicts and trade tensions. The expo, themed “life, world, and the future,” aims to showcase cutting-edge technology and diverse cultures. However, U.S. tariff threats and ongoing global conflicts cast a shadow over the event. The expo features the world’s largest wooden structure, the “Grand Ring,” symbolizing unity. Despite high costs and waning public interest, Osaka hosts 180 countries, hoping to replicate the success of its 1970 expo. Ava Sinclair 13/04/2025 12:00 am
Dane, a 73-year-old from South Carolina, is stocking up on essentials like paper products and upgrading tech due to fears of rising prices from Trump’s tariffs. Reminiscent of early Covid panic buying, he worries about inflation and stagnant growth. Trump’s “liberation day” tariffs spooked markets, with a 145% levy on Chinese goods. Many Americans, like Dane and Heather, a Texas professor, are adjusting spending habits, with Heather advancing a car purchase to avoid anticipated price hikes. Dane, a former Republican, criticizes Trump’s policies and plans to buy EU goods during a Paris trip. Ava Sinclair 12/04/2025 5:00 pm
Israel’s defense minister announced plans to “expand vigorously” its military offensive in Gaza. The IDF has taken over a “security zone” between Rafah and Khan Younis, issuing evacuation orders for Khan Younis. The offensive resumed on March 18 after a ceasefire collapse, displacing hundreds of thousands. Israel aims to pressure Hamas into releasing 59 hostages. The IDF has also secured the Morag axis, isolating Rafah from Khan Younis, and is expanding security zones in northern Gaza, including Beit Hanoun and the Netzarim Corridor. Penelope Kingsley 12/04/2025 5:00 pm
In Gabon’s first election since a 2023 military coup ended a 50-year political dynasty, voters headed to the polls. Analysts predict a win for interim President Gen. Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, who led the coup against President Ali Bongo Ondimba. Despite Gabon’s oil wealth, a third of its 2.3 million people live in poverty. Oligui Nguema aims to consolidate power for a seven-year term, promising credible elections and unity. A new electoral code now permits military personnel to run for office. Noah Prescott 12/04/2025 5:00 pm
Britain will enact emergency laws to keep British Steel’s blast furnaces open, aiming to preserve steel-making capabilities and thousands of jobs, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced. British Steel, owned by China’s Jingye Group, planned to close the furnaces due to daily losses. Parliament will be recalled to pass legislation granting the government powers to prevent the closure. Starmer emphasized the importance of maintaining domestic steel production for economic and national security, amid global trade tensions. The move is not a precursor to nationalization, but all options remain open. Penelope Kingsley 12/04/2025 1:30 pm
