Myanmar’s military junta is using the aftermath of a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake to regain control amid a civil war, though a lasting ceasefire is unlikely. The quake, one of the strongest in a century, has worsened the nation’s crisis, with the death toll at 3,471 and expected to rise. The junta’s plea for international aid contrasts with its past rejection of help, sparking cautious hope for political settlement. However, analysts doubt a peace deal, citing entrenched divisions between the junta and opposition groups. Noah Prescott 07/04/2025 7:30 am
Heavy rains have hit earthquake-stricken Myanmar, complicating relief efforts and increasing disease risks as the death toll from the March 28 quakes rises to 3,471. In Mandalay, near the epicenter, rains have soaked survivors in tent camps. More rain and high temperatures are expected, raising concerns of disease outbreaks like cholera. The magnitude 7.7 quake caused extensive damage, worsening an existing humanitarian crisis. UN aid chief Tom Fletcher described the situation as “epic,” with survivors urgently needing food, water, shelter, and electricity. Noah Prescott 07/04/2025 4:00 am
Three US aid workers in Myanmar were laid off amid the Trump administration’s cuts to USAID, affecting disaster response efforts. Despite pledging $9 million after a deadly earthquake, the administration’s funding reductions have hindered aid delivery. The workers, facing termination, have been sleeping on the streets in the quake zone. Former USAID official Marcia Wong criticized the demoralizing impact of these layoffs. Meanwhile, other nations have stepped in to assist, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied claims of a slow US response. Penelope Kingsley 07/04/2025 4:00 am
Australia’s opposition leader, Peter Dutton, retracted a policy to end work-from-home options for public servants after backlash, admitting it was a mistake. The policy, part of a package including job cuts, aimed to improve public sector efficiency but faced criticism for potentially disadvantaging women. The Coalition now supports flexible work arrangements. They also clarified plans to cut 41,000 public service jobs through natural attrition, not forced redundancies, over five years. Labor criticized the policy changes, highlighting inconsistencies in Dutton’s approach. Ava Sinclair 07/04/2025 4:00 am
Israeli soldiers killed a 14-year-old Palestinian American boy and injured two others in Turmusaya, West Bank, during a counterterrorism operation. The Israeli military claimed the boys were throwing rocks at a highway, endangering civilians. The incident has drawn attention to longstanding concerns about the treatment of American citizens in occupied territories. The injured boys were hospitalized, and the U.S. State Department has been contacted for comment. Historical incidents, like the deaths of Rachel Corrie and Shireen Abu Akleh, highlight ongoing accountability issues. Ava Sinclair 07/04/2025 4:00 am
France and Algeria are resuming diplomatic talks after tensions over Western Sahara autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty strained relations, impacting France’s economic interests and security cooperation. Trade between the countries has dropped by 30%, affecting sectors like wheat imports. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot is visiting Algiers for discussions following a call between Presidents Macron and Tebboune, who agreed on a roadmap to ease tensions. The strained relationship has significant implications, given the extensive trade and the large Algerian-linked population in France. Penelope Kingsley 07/04/2025 12:30 am
Pope Francis made a surprise appearance at a Jubilee Year Mass in St. Peter’s Square, marking his first public event since a 38-day hospitalization for double pneumonia. The 88-year-old pontiff, who continues to receive oxygen, greeted the crowd with a smile and a “Happy Sunday everyone.” His voice, though strained, was stronger than during his hospital release. Before the event, Francis went to confession and passed through the Holy Door for the Jubilee Year. The crowd applauded as he was wheeled to the altar. Penelope Kingsley 06/04/2025 9:00 pm
Israel’s military retracted its claim that Palestinian medics killed in Gaza lacked emergency signals, after video evidence showed otherwise. Initially, Israel said the vehicles advanced suspiciously without lights. However, footage from a victim’s phone showed marked ambulances with flashing lights. The incident, which killed 15 medics, is under investigation. The UN reported Israeli forces shot the medics and buried them in a mass grave. Israel is examining the initial mistaken report and operational details. Penelope Kingsley 06/04/2025 9:00 pm
Marine Le Pen’s political future is uncertain after being found guilty of embezzling European Parliament funds, resulting in a five-year ban from running for office. Despite ideal weather, her rally in Paris saw low turnout, with claims of political motivation behind her conviction. Le Pen criticized the EU’s anti-fraud unit and linked her situation to other far-right leaders facing legal issues. Organizers expected 5,000-8,000 attendees, but the actual number was likely much lower. The event aimed to express public doubt about the judgment against Le Pen. Penelope Kingsley 06/04/2025 9:00 pm
Israeli strikes on Gaza killed at least 32 people, including women and children, as Prime Minister Netanyahu visits the U.S. to discuss the conflict with President Trump. Israel ended its ceasefire with Hamas, resuming attacks and blocking essential supplies to Gaza. The UN warns of a desperate situation. Strikes hit Khan Younis, killing 15, including a journalist, and Jabaliya, killing four. Protests erupted in Jabaliya against the war. Noah Prescott 06/04/2025 9:00 pm
