An Israeli air strike on a residential building in Gaza City killed at least 29 Palestinians, including eight children, and injured over 60. The attack targeted a “senior Hamas terrorist,” according to the Israeli military, which claimed efforts were made to minimize civilian harm. Hamas accused Israel of committing a “bloody massacre.” The area, crowded with displaced people, was hit by multiple missiles, causing widespread destruction. Thousands had fled Shejaiya after Israeli evacuation orders. Since March 18, Israeli operations have reportedly killed 1,482 people in Gaza. Ava Sinclair 10/04/2025 2:00 am
Ukrainian President Zelenskiy claimed that 155 Chinese citizens are fighting for Russia against Ukraine, with Ukrainian intelligence compiling details on them. He suggested the U.S. should address this with Moscow. Zelenskiy mentioned possible exchanges of captured Chinese nationals for Ukrainian detainees. China, maintaining a “no-limits” partnership with Russia, dismissed these claims as “groundless” and emphasized its role in seeking a political solution to the conflict. Reuters could not verify the claims independently. Ava Sinclair 10/04/2025 2:00 am
The President orders a comprehensive overhaul of the U.S. defense acquisition system to ensure the military’s superiority. The current system lacks speed and flexibility, hindering the delivery of advanced capabilities. The policy aims to accelerate defense procurement, modernize the defense industrial base, and reform acquisition processes. Emphasis will be on speed, flexibility, and innovation, with incentives for risk-taking and modernization of the acquisition workforce to restore military strength. Penelope Kingsley 10/04/2025 2:00 am
Eight people, including five children, died during a trek for cholera treatment in South Sudan after local health services shut due to US aid cuts under President Trump. Save the Children linked these deaths to the cuts, which align with Trump’s “America First” agenda. Experts warn the cuts could lead to millions of deaths from diseases. The US State Department claims aid continues but criticizes South Sudan’s corruption. Save the Children reported that US cuts forced health facility closures, leaving patients to walk in extreme heat for treatment. Penelope Kingsley 10/04/2025 2:00 am
In Santo Domingo, the Jet Set club’s roof collapsed during a merengue concert, killing over 113 people and injuring more than 255. Notable victims include merengue icon Rubby Pérez, MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel, and Dominican player Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera. Rescue efforts continue, with teams from Puerto Rico and Israel assisting. Only 32 victims have been identified so far. The disaster also claimed the life of Nelsy Cruz, sister of MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz, who alerted President Luis Abinader before dying in the hospital. Noah Prescott 09/04/2025 10:30 pm
President Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs have disrupted the global economy, causing stock market instability. The tariffs include a minimum 10% tax on nearly all U.S. imports, with higher levies on goods from China, Japan, and the EU. Zanny Minton Beddoes of The Economist calls it the biggest trade policy shock in history, noting its unprecedented scale, speed, and uncertainty. While the motivation is unclear, the administration may aim to reshape global security, geopolitics, and economics. Penelope Kingsley 09/04/2025 10:30 pm
The CDU/CSU and SPD in Germany have announced a coalition government deal after weeks of urgent negotiations following February’s snap elections. Friedrich Merz is set to become the next chancellor, promising to address global and domestic challenges. The coalition plans to implement stricter migration controls and a “repatriation offensive.” CSU leader Markus Söder described the agreement as a “Germany Pact,” aiming to modernize the country and signal Germany’s resurgence. The coalition also promises tax cuts to support citizens. Ava Sinclair 09/04/2025 7:00 pm
On April 2, 2025, President Trump announced a 10% tariff on all imports, effective April 5, with additional tariffs on specific countries starting April 9. This led to a historic two-day loss in the U.S. stock market, wiping out $6.6 trillion. A 104% tariff on Chinese goods heightened fears of a global trade war. Over three days, $10 trillion in global equity value was lost. The S&P 500 experienced its worst four-day decline since its inception, reflecting significant economic concerns. Ava Sinclair 09/04/2025 7:00 pm
At least 50 hippos and other large animals have died from anthrax poisoning in Virunga National Park, DRC. The park’s director, Emmanuel De Merode, confirmed the deaths, which also include buffalo. The exact cause of the outbreak is unclear. Images show hippos in the Ishasha River, a major loss for the park, which has been rebuilding its hippo population. The Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation advised locals to avoid wildlife and boil water. Efforts to remove and bury the carcasses are hindered by logistical challenges. Noah Prescott 09/04/2025 7:00 pm
In 2016, Donald Trump criticized Obama’s Iran nuclear deal, suggesting negotiators should have walked away to secure better terms. Now, with Iran closer to weapon capability partly due to Trump’s 2018 withdrawal from the deal, he faces the challenge of renegotiating. The U.S. seeks to dismantle Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and missile program, while Iran desires an updated Obama-era agreement. Time is critical, as emphasized by Senator Jeanne Shaheen, who deemed Trump’s withdrawal a “serious mistake.” Penelope Kingsley 09/04/2025 7:00 pm
