The Israeli military admitted errors in its initial account of an incident in southern Gaza where 15 people, identified by the UN as paramedics and rescue workers, were killed. This acknowledgment followed a New York Times video contradicting the military’s earlier claims. An internal investigation is ongoing. The incident involved Israeli forces ambushing a convoy they mistakenly believed contained Hamas operatives. The military had incorrectly stated the convoy was advancing suspiciously without signals. The situation has drawn international scrutiny and condemnation. Noah Prescott 06/04/2025 3:30 am
Israel has established the Morag Corridor in southern Gaza to pressure Hamas, cutting off Rafah from the rest of Gaza. Troops from the 36th Division have been deployed, though details are unclear. The corridor runs east to west, similar to the Philadelphi Corridor near Egypt. Israel also controls the Netzarim Corridor, isolating northern Gaza. Netanyahu aims to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages. The move follows a ceasefire breach and is supported by the U.S. Israel plans to expand its security zones in Gaza. Noah Prescott 06/04/2025 3:30 am
A suspected Russian-run sabotage plot involved fake cosmetics, massage pillows, and sex toys concealing homemade explosives, detonated at courier depots in Britain, Germany, and Poland. The incendiary devices, ignited by pre-timed detonators, were linked to Russia’s GRU, aiming to destabilize countries supporting Ukraine. European security officials revealed these parcel fires as part of a “hybrid war” by Russia, potentially a precursor to targeting cargo flights to the U.S. and Canada. The attacks have intensified amid the Ukraine conflict, posing risks across the EU. Ava Sinclair 06/04/2025 3:30 am
Five General Authority Seventies of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be given emeritus status on August 1, 2025. Announced by President Dallin H. Oaks during the April 2025 general conference, the Seventies are Elder David S. Baxter, Elder Randall K. Bennett, Elder Kevin S. Hamilton, Elder Rafael E. Pino, and Elder Jorge F. Zeballos, who have nearly 80 years of combined service. Sixteen new General Authority Seventies and a new Young Men general presidency were also sustained. Elder Baxter, sustained in 2006, served in various leadership roles before health issues. Penelope Kingsley 06/04/2025 3:30 am
The Sahara, now a vast desert, was a lush landscape 7,000 years ago, home to diverse wildlife. Recent advances in DNA sequencing have allowed scientists to analyze ancient remains from Libya’s Takarkori rock shelter, revealing insights into the ancestry and lifestyle of its past inhabitants. Meanwhile, the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) collaboration has released new data suggesting that dark energy, which drives the universe’s expansion, might be weakening, challenging current cosmological models. Noah Prescott 06/04/2025 12:00 am
France’s far right, led by the Rassemblement National (RN), plans a “people’s protest” against Marine Le Pen’s 2027 presidential ban following her conviction in a €4m embezzlement case. The RN calls for a “peaceful popular mobilisation” under “Save Democracy.” Meanwhile, leftwing and centrist parties support the law and judiciary, organizing separate rallies. Prime Minister François Bayrou urges calm to prevent clashes. Le Pen and eight RN members, accused of misusing EU funds, have appealed. Similar charges were previously faced by members of Bayrou’s MoDem party. Noah Prescott 06/04/2025 12:00 am
Russell Brand has been charged with rape and sexual assault by the U.K.’s Crown Prosecution Service. The charges include a 1999 rape in Bournemouth, a 2001 indecent assault, and incidents in Westminster between 2004-2005. The investigation began in September 2023 after reports by Channel 4’s Dispatches and The Sunday Times. Brand is set to appear in court on May 2. The Met Police continue to support the victims and urge others with information to come forward. Ava Sinclair 06/04/2025 12:00 am
Phone video from a Palestinian medic killed by Israeli forces contradicts Israeli claims that medics’ vehicles lacked emergency signals. The footage shows Red Crescent and Civil Defense teams with flashing lights and visible logos approaching an ambulance under fire. As medics emerge, their vehicles are hit by gunfire for over five minutes. Eight Red Crescent personnel, six Civil Defense workers, and a U.N. staffer were killed on March 23 in Rafah. Israeli troops later buried the bodies and vehicles in a mass grave. The footage was found on a slain medic’s phone. Ava Sinclair 05/04/2025 8:30 pm
The Trump administration imposed a 50% tariff on Lesotho, a small, impoverished African nation known for exporting denim to the U.S. Other African countries, including Madagascar, Algeria, and South Africa, also faced steep tariffs, exceeding 30%. These measures follow the termination of significant U.S. aid to Africa, impacting healthcare and disaster relief. Trump justified the tariffs by criticizing the global trading system, despite Lesotho’s minimal trade impact on the U.S. Noah Prescott 05/04/2025 8:30 pm
British police charged comedian Russell Brand with rape and sexual assault after an 18-month investigation. Brand, 50, faces multiple charges involving four women between 1999 and 2005. He denies any non-consensual activity and will defend himself in court. The investigation remains open, and police urge anyone with information to come forward. Brand, known for his controversial comedy and past Hollywood roles, has shifted to online content in recent years. He is set to appear in a London court on May 2. Ava Sinclair 05/04/2025 8:30 pm
