The Dominican Republic has shifted from rescue to recovery efforts after a nightclub roof collapse killed over 200 people. The disaster at Jet Set nightclub prompted a national mourning period. Rescue operations ended after no more survivors were found, with the focus now on recovering bodies. Most victims recovered overnight were female. The death toll reached 218, with 189 people rescued alive. The collapse occurred during a performance by merengue artist Rubby Pérez, whose body was found Wednesday. The number of unaccounted individuals remains unclear. Noah Prescott 10/04/2025 7:30 pm
Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a Pakistan-born Canadian, was extradited from the US to India for his alleged role in the 2008 Mumbai attacks. India accuses him of being involved with the Pakistan-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and aiding David Coleman Headley in planning the attacks. Rana, who denies the charges, was previously acquitted by a US court of conspiracy related to the Mumbai attacks but was convicted for supporting LeT in a separate plot. His extradition follows years of diplomatic efforts and a US Supreme Court decision rejecting his appeal to stay. Ava Sinclair 10/04/2025 7:30 pm
China dismissed as “irresponsible” Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s claims that Russia is recruiting Chinese citizens to fight in Ukraine. Zelenskyy alleged over 150 Chinese mercenaries are involved, citing intelligence reports. China reiterated its stance for a peaceful resolution and urged its nationals to avoid conflict zones. Despite close ties with Russia, China denies providing military support, though it offers economic aid. Two Chinese nationals were recently captured fighting for Russia. Penelope Kingsley 10/04/2025 7:30 pm
International visitors to the U.S. have declined due to safety concerns and strict border policies, including phone inspections and harassment. Las Vegas anticipates a 5% drop in room tax revenue, losing $18 million. This decline follows President Trump’s tariffs and trade tensions with Mexico and Canada, affecting tourism. Last year, visitors from these countries comprised half of Las Vegas’s international travel. The current climate deters tourists, fearing detention and mistreatment. Penelope Kingsley 10/04/2025 7:30 pm
Greenpeace UK co-executive director Will McCallum was arrested with five others after activists dyed water red outside the US embassy in London, protesting US arms sales to Israel. The Metropolitan Police charged them with suspicion of criminal damage. The US embassy condemned the act, citing damage to a water supply. Greenpeace stated the dye was non-toxic and aimed to highlight the impact of US arms in Gaza. The group criticized the arrests as an attack on protest rights. The protest follows Israel’s military actions in Gaza after an October 2023 Hamas attack. Ava Sinclair 10/04/2025 4:00 pm
French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans for France to recognize a Palestinian state within months, potentially at a UN conference in June. This move could prompt some Middle Eastern countries to recognize Israel. The Palestinian Authority welcomed the announcement. Amid Israel’s conflict with Gaza, 10 countries, including Mexico and Ireland, recognized Palestine, reflecting growing international support. Currently, 147 UN member states and the Holy See recognize Palestine. The recognition strengthens Palestine’s global standing and pressures Western powers on the two-state solution. Ava Sinclair 10/04/2025 4:00 pm
German coalition talks, usually lengthy, concluded in just over six weeks, resulting in a new government. However, this swift formation has unsettled voters, with the anti-immigration AfD leading in polls for the first time. Incoming Chancellor Friedrich Merz faces political pressure as his CDU/CSU is now tied with the AfD, while coalition partner SPD stagnates at 15%. Merz, a critic of Merkel’s asylum policy, initially regained some support but is now losing votes rapidly, with his party achieving only 28.5%, below their 35% target. Noah Prescott 10/04/2025 4:00 pm
In the Ukrainian village of Piatykhatky, two contrasting drone videos depict a grim scene involving Ukrainian soldiers and Russian troops. The Ukrainian video shows Russian soldiers executing four Ukrainians, while the Russian video ends with the Ukrainians alive. This discrepancy highlights the challenges in establishing a clear historical narrative amid mounting evidence of potential war crimes. Concerns grow in Ukraine about the impact of the Trump administration’s stance on the war, potentially complicating accountability for atrocities since Russia’s 2022 invasion. Penelope Kingsley 10/04/2025 4:00 pm
Baseball Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez revealed that some of his family members remain missing after a roof collapse at Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The disaster occurred during a performance, killing at least 124 people. Martinez expressed hope and unity for his country. Dominican President Luis Abinader declared three days of mourning and visited the site to offer condolences. Martinez, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, retired in 2009 and now works as an MLB analyst. Ava Sinclair 10/04/2025 12:30 pm
Ukrainian President Zelensky claims 155 Chinese citizens are fighting for Russia, marking Kyiv’s first official allegation of Chinese involvement. This follows the capture of two Chinese fighters. China denies the claims, stating they lack factual basis, and is verifying the situation. Zelensky insists Russia recruits Chinese citizens via social media, with official Beijing’s awareness. He alleges recruits receive training in Moscow. China urges its nationals to avoid conflict zones and stresses its role in seeking a political resolution. Russia has not commented on these allegations. Ava Sinclair 10/04/2025 12:30 pm
