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
In Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, a nightclub roof collapse killed at least 184 people, with rescue efforts ongoing but hopes for survivors dwindling. Many are still searching for missing loved ones. Doctors warn that some of the hospitalized, especially eight in critical condition, face severe injuries. The government has shifted to recovery, focusing on finding bodies. Notable victims include merengue icon Rubby Pérez and former MLB players. Emergency services responded swiftly, receiving over 100 calls, including from those trapped. Noah Prescott 10/04/2025 9:00 am
USAID reversed its decision to cancel several World Food Programme contracts after warnings of severe consequences for millions facing hunger. Funding was restored for programs in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Ecuador, and Somalia. Jeremy Lewin from USAID acknowledged the need for better decision-making. Additionally, contracts for the International Organization for Migration in the Pacific were reinstated. Despite these reversals, many aid contracts, including those for Afghanistan and Yemen, remain cut. USAID maintains that 85% of its programs with the World Food Programme are still active. Noah Prescott 10/04/2025 9:00 am
China is rapidly expanding its military capabilities, aiming to dominate the Indo-Pacific and surpass the U.S. as the leading global power, according to John Noh. Chinese President Xi Jinping has directed the military to prepare for a potential Taiwan invasion by 2027. To counter this, the U.S. must strengthen military deterrence, enhance alliances, and invest in defense. Navy Adm. Samuel Paparo highlighted China’s aggressive behavior and military advancements, including AI and hypersonic missiles, as significant threats. In 2024, China’s operations against Taiwan increased by 300%. Noah Prescott 10/04/2025 9:00 am
Iran and the U.S. will hold talks in Oman to address Tehran’s advancing nuclear program. President Trump claims direct negotiations, but Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi plans indirect talks via a mediator. This meeting marks a significant step in the strained relations over Iran’s uranium enrichment nearing weapons-grade levels. Key historical points include Iran’s 1967 acquisition of a reactor under the U.S. “Atoms for Peace” program, the 1979 Islamic Revolution, and the 2002 revelation of Iran’s secret Natanz facility, leading to halted enrichment in 2003. Ava Sinclair 10/04/2025 9:00 am
Ukrainian President Zelensky reported that 155 Chinese citizens were identified fighting with Russian forces, recruited via social media. China denies involvement, with its Foreign Ministry calling the claims “groundless” and advising citizens to avoid conflict zones. A Ukrainian document lists over 150 Chinese serving in Russian military, though unverified by CNN. Zelensky suggested Beijing might be aware of recruitment efforts but lacks evidence of official Chinese policy involvement. Penelope Kingsley 10/04/2025 5:30 am
President Trump ordered a Pentagon review of major weapons programs, targeting those over 15% over budget or behind schedule for potential cancellation. The executive order, “Modernizing Defense Acquisitions and Spurring Innovation,” aims to streamline the defense acquisition process. Programs like Air Force One and Navy ships are highlighted as overbudget or delayed. The order also mandates an acquisition reform plan to prioritize commercial technologies and reduce bureaucracy. Additionally, a workforce reform plan will assess staffing needs for military weapons development. Noah Prescott 10/04/2025 5:30 am
Tensions between locals in southern Syria and Israeli forces have escalated, leading to a deadly clash in Nawa, Daraa province. Mosque loudspeakers urged residents to confront IDF troops, resulting in at least 10 civilian deaths amid Israeli artillery and airstrikes. The IDF claimed it responded to gunfire from attackers. This incident follows a similar deadly exchange in March, heightening anti-Israel sentiment in the region. Increased Israeli military activity, including patrols and restrictions, is reported, further inflaming tensions, particularly in Quneitra and Daraa. Penelope Kingsley 10/04/2025 5:30 am
Maximo Peña, a regular at Santo Domingo’s Jet Set nightclub, was attending a concert with his wife and sister when the roof collapsed, killing at least 184 people. His daughter, Shailyn, waits anxiously for news outside the venue, where rescue teams, including Israeli and Mexican units, search for survivors. Shailyn’s cousin is among the rescuers, providing some comfort. The uncertainty and wait for information are overwhelming, as authorities continue to update the death toll. Penelope Kingsley 10/04/2025 5:30 am
Hopes of finding more survivors in the Dominican Republic nightclub roof collapse faded as no one was found alive since Tuesday. The collapse at Jet Set in Santo Domingo during a merengue concert killed at least 113 people, including entertainer Rubby Pérez. Authorities used heavy machinery, dogs, and drones to search the rubble. The disaster claimed the lives of notable figures, including two former MLB players, a governor, and a fashion designer, while a congress member was seriously injured. Noah Prescott 10/04/2025 2:00 am
