Since 18 March, Israeli bombardment in Gaza has killed 1,542 people, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Nearly 400,000 people have been displaced due to IDF evacuation orders. Israel has imposed a blockade on food and medical supplies since 2 March. Israeli officials claim their actions aim to pressure Hamas to release hostages taken on 7 October. The UN highlights that civilians are suffering, with recent airstrikes killing only women and children. The fourth Geneva Convention mandates that occupying powers, like Israel in Gaza, must ensure civilian access to food and medicine. Noah Prescott 11/04/2025 8:00 pm
President Trump initially dismissed concerns over his tariffs causing market turmoil but later paused some tariffs for 90 days amid rising bond yields. This move, seen as a concession to Chinese leader Xi Jinping, highlights the economic standoff between the U.S. and China. Xi, known for his steadfast policies, is perceived as less concerned about the impact of tariffs on ordinary people. The situation underscores a broader struggle over which leader can endure economic hardship for national interests. Penelope Kingsley 11/04/2025 8:00 pm
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that peace in Ukraine is unlikely soon, as allies pledged €21 billion in military aid to Kyiv. This includes £4.5 billion from the U.K. and €11 billion from Germany. The Ukraine Defense Contact Group met in Brussels, co-hosted by Germany and the U.K., after the U.S. stepped back from leadership. Despite this, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth participated via videolink, and Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umerov emphasized America’s continued role as a key partner. Ava Sinclair 11/04/2025 8:00 pm
A helicopter crash in South Africa was caused by an unsecured cardboard box containing a penguin, according to an incident report. The pilot and three passengers were unharmed. During an aerial survey on January 19, 2025, a passenger requested to transport a penguin. The box slid onto the pilot’s control lever at 50 feet altitude, causing the helicopter to roll and crash. The aircraft was damaged, but all occupants, including the penguin, were uninjured. Ava Sinclair 11/04/2025 8:00 pm
Rising tensions in South Sudan, marked by Vice-President Riek Machar’s arrest, threaten to collapse the fragile 2018 peace agreement. The arrest follows clashes between Machar’s allied White Army militia and the national army, raising fears of renewed civil war. The 2018 peace deal, which reinstated Machar as vice-president, aimed to end ethnic conflict and pave the way for elections. However, recent violence and accusations of rebellion against Machar jeopardize peace and stability in the world’s youngest nation. Penelope Kingsley 11/04/2025 4:30 pm
Several major shipping nations agreed to impose a $100 per ton carbon tax on ships’ emissions not accounted for, marking the first global greenhouse gas tax. Effective by 2028, the tax applies if nations don’t contribute to the IMO’s net zero fund or meet compliance targets. The IMO also set a marine fuel standard for cleaner fuels. Shipping emissions, now 3% of the global total, have risen with larger vessels. While some view the tax as historic, critics argue it falls short in reducing emissions and aiding developing countries. Others see it as a positive step. Ava Sinclair 11/04/2025 4:30 pm
More than 200 people died when the roof of the Jet Set nightclub collapsed in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The tragedy occurred during a performance by merengue singer Rubby Pérez. The collapse killed at least 221 people, including prominent figures like former MLB players and Pérez. Rescue efforts have ended, with officials focusing on body recovery. Many victims suffered traumatic head injuries. The incident has deeply affected rescue workers and the nation, with emergency services director Juan Manuel Méndez expressing the emotional toll of the tragedy. Noah Prescott 11/04/2025 4:30 pm
A woman in Australia gave birth to a stranger’s baby due to an embryo mix-up at Monash IVF clinic in Brisbane. The error was discovered when the clinic found an extra embryo in storage. Monash IVF, a major Australian provider, apologized and is supporting those involved. The incident was reported to Queensland’s regulator. The clinic, which settled a previous lawsuit over destroyed embryos, stated the error occurred despite strict safety protocols. The child’s age and custody details remain undisclosed. Ava Sinclair 11/04/2025 1:00 pm
President Trump has imposed 145% tariffs on Chinese goods, effectively initiating a trade embargo. This move comes at a challenging time for China, which is grappling with economic issues like a property market slump and high youth unemployment. The tariffs threaten Xi Jinping’s goal of transforming China into a tech superpower. Both the U.S. and China have escalated tariffs to historic levels, with China imposing retaliatory tariffs. This trade war jeopardizes China’s export-driven growth, with Goldman Sachs lowering China’s GDP growth forecast to 4%. Noah Prescott 11/04/2025 1:00 pm
Britain and Norway announced over $580 million in military support for Ukraine, including drones, radar systems, and anti-tank mines. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov emphasized the need for modern air defense systems like the Patriot to protect against Russian ballistic missiles. President Zelenskyy reiterated the urgent need for at least 10 Patriot systems after a deadly missile attack. Zelenskyy participated in a NATO meeting via video, while Russia maintains its military advantage and has not agreed to a ceasefire. Ava Sinclair 11/04/2025 1:00 pm
