Severe gales hit Beijing and northern China, leading to the cancellation of 838 flights and suspension of train services, including the airport express line. Wind gusts reached 93 mph, the strongest in over 50 years, prompting authorities to urge millions to stay indoors. Parks and attractions were closed, and nearly 300 trees fell. Despite vehicle damage, no injuries were reported. The winds, originating from a cold vortex over Mongolia, are expected to persist through the weekend. Residents largely heeded warnings, resulting in deserted streets. Ava Sinclair 12/04/2025 1:30 pm
Ecuador’s presidential election is highly contested amid escalating drug gang violence and economic stagnation. Once peaceful, Ecuador is now a cocaine trafficking hub with soaring homicide rates. The election is a rematch between President Daniel Noboa and former lawmaker Luisa González, both securing about 44% in the previous round. The main voter concern is addressing narco-fueled violence. Noboa, a millionaire and Trump ally, declared drug gangs “terrorists” and imposed a state of emergency, relying on the military for arrests. Despite his wealthy background, he presents himself as a political outsider. Ava Sinclair 12/04/2025 1:30 pm
President Donald Trump regained the White House by promising competence and mocking opponents. However, 2½ months in, his administration faces challenges, including agency struggles, policy reversals, and security lapses. Missteps, such as issues at Guantánamo Bay and a dead contact for laid-off workers, are compounded by economic concerns from tariff policies. Despite these issues, the question remains whether Americans value Trump’s disruptive approach over traditional competence. Penelope Kingsley 12/04/2025 10:00 am
Over 100 Chinese mercenaries are fighting for Russia in Ukraine, with no direct ties to China’s government, according to U.S. officials. Chinese military officers are observing the conflict with Beijing’s approval. Ukrainian forces captured two Chinese-origin men, while China denies involvement, calling Ukraine’s claims “irresponsible.” The Chinese fighters reportedly have minimal training and little impact on Russia’s operations. U.S. intelligence agencies and China’s embassy have not commented. Noah Prescott 12/04/2025 10:00 am
Iran and the U.S. are set to engage in crucial talks in Oman to negotiate a new nuclear deal, aiming to reduce Middle East tensions. While Iran insists on indirect talks, the U.S. claims they will be direct. President Trump has given Iran a two-month deadline to limit its nuclear program, with military action possible if no deal is reached. Iran has set “red lines” for negotiations, opposing excessive demands. Trump seeks a stronger agreement than the 2015 JCPOA, which he withdrew from in 2018, labeling it inadequate. Ava Sinclair 12/04/2025 6:30 am
A war in the Western Pacific could devastate global economies, risk nuclear conflict, and cause 500,000 “deaths of despair,” warned Adm. Samuel Paparo. He highlighted the strategic importance of Taiwan, noting that closing its waterway could be more damaging than the Great Depression. Chinese military actions toward Taiwan have increased significantly, suggesting preparations for a possible takeover. Paparo warned of severe economic impacts, including a 25% GDP reduction in Asia and significant U.S. economic downturns. Even successful U.S. intervention would only mitigate these effects. The conflict could also destabilize alliances and prompt nuclear proliferation in the region. Penelope Kingsley 12/04/2025 3:00 am
Donald Trump promoted Douglas Murray’s book, “On Democracies and Death Cults,” on Truth Social, praising its support for America and Israel. This came after Murray confronted Joe Rogan on his podcast about featuring controversial guests like Darryl Cooper and Ian Carroll, who have made Holocaust revisionist and antisemitic claims. Murray criticized Rogan for giving a platform to individuals spreading dangerous, counter-historical narratives, questioning why non-historians’ views on figures like Winston Churchill should be entertained. Penelope Kingsley 12/04/2025 3:00 am
The United Nations’ International Maritime Organization reached a draft agreement to tax carbon emissions from ships, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050. The Trump administration withdrew from the talks, opposing the measure and threatening retaliation against fees on U.S. ships. The agreement, set for adoption in October and effective in 2027, requires ships to reduce emission intensity, with non-compliant shipowners paying into a net-zero fund. The fund will support low-emission ships, clean energy research, and climate-vulnerable states. The deal faces opposition from the U.S., Saudi Arabia, and Russia. Ava Sinclair 11/04/2025 11:30 pm
Ukraine’s European allies have pledged €21bn in military support, with Germany contributing €11bn over four years. The aid, announced at a NATO meeting, includes air defenses, missiles, and other equipment to counter Russia’s aggression. The UK and Norway are providing a £450m package for radar systems, anti-tank mines, and drones. Germany will supply artillery, vehicles, and air defense systems. European leaders emphasize the need for a strong Ukrainian military to achieve a lasting peace, despite no signs of the war ending. Penelope Kingsley 11/04/2025 11:30 pm
British Steel, owned by Chinese firm Jingye, is in trouble due to financial losses and unsustainable operations at its Scunthorpe plant, which employs 2,700 people. Despite £1.2bn investment, the plant loses £700,000 daily, facing challenging market conditions, tariffs, and costs of transitioning to lower-carbon production. The UK government may take control to prevent closure, as losing the plant would leave the UK as the only G7 nation unable to produce virgin steel, crucial for construction and economic security. Ava Sinclair 11/04/2025 11:30 pm
